With Warner plundering 163 runs off 224 balls, the Australians pounded the ragged Black Caps to go to stumps at 389 for two and a record first day Test score.
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New Zealand’s tour match against the Cricket Australia was abandoned less than a week ago due to the wicket’s deteriorating surface becoming unfit for first-class cricket in Sydney.
At tea, New Zealand were 43 without loss off 13 overs with Tom Latham on 27 and Martin Guptill not out 13 after Australia declared at 556 for four.
Australia’s pace demons Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc ripped apart New Zealand to put the home side on course for victory in the first Test at the Gabba on Friday. Under Smith, it made a bold decision of giving a game to Khawaja, who last played Test cricket over two years ago.
New Zealand’s highly-regarded strike attack of Trent Boult and Tim Southee will get the first chance to bowl on a Brisbane wicket that looks likely to feature its customary bounce and carry.
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.
It’s likely Steve Smith will have the opportunity to demand the Black Caps bat again.
Khawaja, playing his first test in more than two years, eased off the shackles when play resumed and stroked his 15th four to the third man boundary to reach his 150.
Burns partnered Warner to opening stands of 161 and 237 in the Test, which is the first time an opening pair had compiled 150-plus stands in a Test match.
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.
Adam Voges remained unbeaten on an effortless 83 off 127 balls, tantalisingly close to a Test century. His 123-ball innings contained 14 fours and four sixes. BJ Watling, Mark Craig, and Doug Bracewell hung around with Williamson for a while which allowed the 25-year-old to reach three figures. “When you’re on top in the first innings you get to go out like today and play the way you want to play, with all the confidence in the world”.
The tourists revealed that Southee had left the field with an irritated disc and would continue to be assessed.
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“The key for us now is keep forging, keep building those partnerships tomorrow”, New Zealand’s batting coach Craig McMillan said.
