Australia's star southpaw David Warner not only ended his Test century drought but also went on to belt a record spectacular double ton on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test against South Africa on Tuesday (December 27). Warner, with his 200 off 254, clinched a milestone against his name as he became the only Australian batter and second overall after England's Joe Root to hammer double century in his 100th Test. Warner finally put a halt to his Test century which came after almost three years as he struck his last Test ton back in January 2020.
Warner's scintillating knock was decorated with 16 fours and two maximums, but soon after reaching the milestone he had to return to the pavilion after getting retired hurt. The 36-year-old, who defied heat, exhaustion and a cramping body en-route to his brilliant knock, unleashed an animated celebration after his double century. But his signatory celebration didn't go down well with him, as he picked up an injury while doing so. He was spotted clutching his thighs and sought medical attention and was eventually taken off the field at the score of 200.
Here's the video..
Warner might come back to bat yet again on Day 3 depending on the intensity of his injury. Australia are now at the commanding position 386/3 after the close of Day 2. Earlier, riding on Cameron Green's stunning fifer Australia folded South Africa for just 189 in the first innings.
Warner silenced his critics in style as he struck a blistering century in his 100th appearance in the longest format to end his century drought. The 36-year-old, who made his Test debut in 2011, also crossed the 8000-run mark en-route to his knock as he became only the eighth Australian batter to taste this feat. Warner’s 25 Test tons places him in the fifth spot among all openers in Test cricket. Sunil Gavaskar (33), Alastair Cook (31), Matthew Hayden (30) and Graeme Smith (27) are the only batters ahead of Warner in this list.
Warner (45) also has the second-most international centuries among active players, only behind Virat Kohli (72). The dashing left-hander also equalled Sachin Tendulkar (45) for most tons as opener across formats.
