His leap into the air after tucking the ball through cover point for two runs was ample illustration of what the century meant to him, but he was by no means done.
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Kane Williamson’s defiant century helped New Zealand to 317 all out on the third day of the first test on Saturday but Australia raced to 86 without loss at tea to extend their already imposing lead to 325 runs.
Australian batsman David Warner celebrates his century during the first cricket test match between Australia and New Zealand in Brisbane, November 7, 2015.
Burns, playing in his third Test but first as an opener, was the only wicket to fall in the first two sessions. He stroked 24 boundaries from 178 balls before he finally ran out of partners and patience and was caught behind off Mitchell Starc, who picked off the last two wickets and returned 4-57.
Williamson’s dismissal late in the day leaves Australia in control at the Gabba, but New Zealand may yet hold on to avoid defeat.
Starc, who was heavily criticized when he wilted in the heat and humidity against India at the Gabba a year ago, said he and Johnson showed they could work well in tandem, despite recent skepticism from critics about combining the two left-arm quicks.
“It’s been fantastic – (Warner) certainly keeps me in check and keeps me level”, Burns said.
“I thought the way he played was exceptional today. The key for us in the last session was to bowl well in partnerships – we did that”.
Having endured a couple of days of hard toil in the field, the tourists were reduced to 157 for five by the close on Friday. New Zealand’s desperation for a breakthrough saw skipper Brendon McCullum use his second and final appeal on a Boult shout for lbw against Khawaja in the second over of the day.
Only 12 visiting batsmen, including his compatriot Martin Crowe, have scored more in the first innings of a series in Australia.
“To prove a few people wrong and bowl in that partnership was great for us”.
The Mitchells were the pick of the Australian bowlers as they picked up seven wickets.
Warner was also 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.
The hosts then decided not to enforce the follow-on, and both their openers Joe Burns and David Warner made centuries.
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Williamson’s excellent knock – and New Zealand’s innings – ended when he became Starc’s fourth victim, inside-edging to Nevill as he attempted a drive through mid-off.
