Giving the best possible launch for the new-look team and the new chapter in the evolution of Australian Test cricket both Khawaja and Burns followed the lead of vice captain and opening powerhouse David Warner, who was eventually dismissed for 163.
Advertisement
“We always set out to try and break records as a team, and that’s one thing we’ll continue to do”, Warner said.
Khawaja’s rhythm was not unduly disturbed, however, and he went on to post his first Test century by smashing a short ball from Trent Boult to the long-leg boundary shortly before stumps.
“I think if you have good footwork, it allows you to defend well, but at places like Brisbane it’s the basis for your scoring shots as well”. “When you’re doing well it’s easy to sit here and say that we’re operating really well, but there’s certainly going to be challenges coming every week. Breaking it up between Davey and myself and hopefully the guys at the top and No. 3 do well and then I can just come in and get a few runs on the board as well”.
The 29-year-old had reached the half century mark in seven of his eight Tests in 2015 but had not been able to get to the century mark since he achieved the feat for the 12th time against India in Sydney in January.
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.
New Zealand’s left-arm paceman Trent Boult brushed off Thursday’s chastening experience to claim the wicket of Smith for 48 with a ideal ball that swung late and crashed through the gate.
Burns combined with Warner to give Australia a brisk start after Smith elected to bat.
He was the last wicket to fall when New Zealand was bowled out for 317 in reply.
Australia and New Zealand face off in a three Test match series Down Under, which will go down as a historic series with pink balls and day/night Tests coming into operation for the first time.
Only Kane Williamson, who finished the day unbeaten on 55 alongside BJ Watling (14 not out), looked like offering any more than token resistance to the Australian onslaught.
Advertisement
Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc, Australia’s pace demons, ripped apart New Zealand to put the home side on course for victory in the first Test at the Gabba on Friday (November 6).
