Boxing Day Test, Australia vs South Africa: David Warner became only the second batter in the history of the sport to hit a double hundred in his 100th Test. The Australia opener limped off the field due to cramps on an energy-sapping day at the MCG.
In Short
- David Warner became only the 2nd batter to score a double hundred in his 100th Test
- Warner retired hurt due to cramps after completing his 200
- Joe Root is the only other batter to have scored a double hundred in his 100th Test
David Warner battled Melbourne heat and a high-quality South African bowling attack to come up with a stunning double hundred in his 100th Test. The Australian opener, whose place in the Test side was questioned, showcased once again that it’s unwise to write him off. Warner made the Boxing Day Test at the iconic MCG a special one for himself, his family and the fans with a spirited double hundred.
Warner became only the second batter to score a double hundred in his 100th Test after former England captain Joe Root in Chennai in 2021. Warner was under considerable pressure heading into the Boxing Day Test after a string of low-scorers. In the lead-up to the Test, his manager had to douse rumours of his retirement from the longest format of the game.
However, Warner roared back to form with a 254-ball 200, which included 16 boundaries and 2 sixes. Warner was tested by the South Africa bowlers who threw everything at him, including a barrage of short balls. However, the 36-year-old opener used all his experience to bring up his 25th Test hundred and his 3rd double hundred.
Warner celebrated his double hundred by dropping to the ground and raising his bat to the skies. He was pumping the air in delight as the MCG crowd, which also had his wife Candice and daughters, was up on its feet, applauding the knock.
Warner came up with a trademark jump and punching-the-air celebration after he completed his double hundred with an edge through the slip cordon in the final session on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test.
However, Warner hurt himself a bit more after having struggled with cramps toward the latter part of his knock. Warner retired hurt due to the cramps as he was hardly able to stand on the field. The heat in Melbourne was harsh and Warner had collected plenty of ones, twos and even threes in his statement-making knock on Tuesday.
The celebratory jump did not help his cramps as Warner had to be helped off the field after he got to his 200.
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