Warner, who has taken on more team responsibility as vice-captain under skipper Steve Smith in the revamped Australian team, said he was excited by the performances of new selections Burns and Usman Khawaja, who scored his first Test century with 174 in the first innings.
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David Warner, who contributed 163 to Australia’s 556-4 declared in the first innings, will resume on 47 not out for the final session with his new opening partner Joe Burns unbeaten on 36.
“So I don’t think they will go hard at the Aussies verbally but their greatest strength is going be to the way they perform in these conditions”.
Warner, now one of Australia’s senior players after the retirement of a number of seasoned internationals, displayed patience as well as his trademark aggression in his second highest Test innings.
But with New Zealand trailing by 503 runs after three days of the series-opening match against Australia at the Gabba, Williamson’s knows his job is far from done. “That’s something special, as a pair as well, a century-run partnership in both innings”. The key for us now is to keep building, keep forging those partnerships.
Not to be outdone, Warner went on the attack but, after reaching his 14th test century, tried an ill-timed reverse sweep to spinner Mark Craig and was caught in the deep to end the opening stand.
Southee had a scan overnight and his probable loss for at least the remainder of Australia’s first innings would have a significant impact on Kiwi hopes of damage limitation.
It was the first of three quick wickets for Craig, who also had Burns caught in the outfield and dismissed Mitch Marsh (2) to return 3-77.
“Australia won that day, but we’ll continue to fight”.
The Kiwis are chasing a first series win in Australia since 1985 and will be looking to their two highly rated pacemen Tim Southee and Trent Boult to bowl them to victory over the transitional Australian team.
“There were times over the last three or four years (I thought) it might not happen, but when it did happen the build up of a lot of emotions came out because it’s what I always dreamt about”.
Firebrand Johnson snared two wickets and fellow left-armer Starc claimed another two as the Black Caps succumbed late on the second day after a massive Australian declaration.
The Black Caps steadied after losing four wickets for 16 runs at one stage against the pace and fire of Johnson and Starc.
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Confronted by an attack in which Mitch Johnson and Starc continued to threaten, and Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon provided considerable pressure, the 25-year-old batted as well as any visitor to this country in recent seasons.
