Melbourne: In his 100th Test, Australia’s seasoned opener David Warner scored a double century against South Africa on Tuesday before needing assistance to leave the Melbourne Cricket Ground in pain.
The 36-year-old came into the game under pressure after a lean spell and reached 8,000 Test runs on the way to three figures, becoming the eighth Australian to do so.
On day two of the second Test, he scored his first century in a Test match since January 2020, proving the sceptics wrong. As the opposition bowlers grew weary from the intense heat, he fought the conditions and turned it into 200.
In a test of stamina in the heat, he scored his third Test double century off 254 balls with 16 fours and two sixes.
He had treatment for cramps numerous times before retiring in discomfort on 200 with assistance off the field.
You’re never out of form, Warner insisted before the game as he fell to his knees as he reached 200.
They’re not the words I use, and they certainly aren’t used in our restrooms, he declared. It has to do with running out of runs.
Steve Smith was there for Warner when he reached his milestones. He managed to survive a difficult morning session that featured some elite fast bowling from Nortje and Marco Jansen before falling for 85 after riding his luck.
Unfortunately, the speedsters had little help from the rest of the attack, who gave them tepid support, lost catches, and bad captaincy, which limited their influence.
With Travis Head in place, Australia will want to make life even worse for the visitors tomorrow as temperatures drop and storm clouds gather to improve bowling conditions. Geoff and I will be back to lead you through everything that happens.
