Australia opener David warner joined an elite group of players who scored a double century in their 100th test appearance. He achieved this feat during the first inning of Australia’s second test match against South Africa at the historic MCG. With his 3rd double century in tests, Warner joined Joe Root who achieved this feat in his 100th test match. Other than these two players, Ricky Ponting is another player to have scored twin centuries in his 100th test match.
Warner also became the 10th man in test cricket to score a 100 in his 100th appearance. With this double hundred, he ended his century drought that was to complete 3 years in January 2023. Additionally, Warner is the 2nd player who scored centuries in his 100th ODI and test appearances respectively after Gordon Greenidge.
Warner soon retired hurt with cramps due to the temperature touching 37 degrees at the MCG. But his inning brought the memory of old Warner back. He was dominating both on the front foot and back foot. Although he had a nervous period in the 90s when Nortje was throwing 150 kmph thunderbolts at him, he wasn’t to be intimidated today. A fine pull to Rabada got him to his 25th test ton and the typical Warner celebration erupted.