David Warner became the 10th man in Test history to score a century in his 100th Test, ending a nearly three-year Test century drought against South Africa at the MCG. He joined an illustrious group of names in scoring his 25th Test century, becoming only the second Australian to do so after Ricky Ponting, who is the only player to score twin hundreds in his 100th Test.
Warner also became only the second player, after Gordon Greenidge, to score a century in both his 100th ODI and 100th Test, and the eighth Australian to pass 8000 Test runs during the course of his innings. The left-hander looked to get back in form and take the attack to South Africa’s bowlers.
He also recorded his first fifty-plus score in Test cricket in 11 innings since his previous half-century earlier this year in Lahore. It was only his second international century in all formats since January 2020, after scoring his only other century at the MCG in an ODI against England in November.
As for the game, the visiting side were in trouble in the first innings on the first day. The home team’s pace bowling unit ripped through the batting unit, limiting them to 189 runs, with Marco Jansen (59) and Kyle Verreynne (52) their only hope. Cameron Green was at his very best with the ball, taking a five-wicket haul. Mitchell Starc also took two wickets, while Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon each took one.
On the other hand, the Kangaroos had a great outing with the bat. Apart from Warner’s century, Steve Smith also completed his half-century. Australia led by 42 runs at tea on day two, with a score of 231/2. Warner, with a score of 135 runs in 207 balls, and Smith, with a score of 60 runs in 129 balls, are in the middle.
In the meantime, fans on Twitter were in awe of David Warner for completing his century in his 100th Test match.
Here is how Twitter reacted to David Warner
Wow, a century in his 100th test! And given the history with South Africa, given the state of mind going into these last two tests, it must count among @davidwarner31's finest moments
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 27, 2022
David Warner holds a stellar record ahead of his 100th Test ? pic.twitter.com/zDftmUG4bH
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) December 25, 2022
100 in the 100th Test is truly a special feeling – well played David Warner. pic.twitter.com/IvMhZWntA7
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 27, 2022
If he wasn’t already there, David Warner has just etched himself into all time greatness not just in Australian cricket but in world cricket #AusvSA pic.twitter.com/QaTbBW6xj5
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) December 27, 2022
A Test hundred after close to three years!
The trademark David Warner leap makes another appearance ? pic.twitter.com/WnE6E6To5W
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 27, 2022
? in Test ?!
Well played, David Warner! #PlayOfTheDay#AUSvSA | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/DsgFyoBvLR
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2022
Don’t ever write this man off! David Warner brings up 100 in his 100th Test. What a moment! A brilliant innings thus far. ? #AUSvSA @davidwarner31 pic.twitter.com/uzpvWOfZjr
— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) December 27, 2022
Hundred by David Warner in 144 balls – a great innings by Warner, his 25th Test century. pic.twitter.com/1hrnJXfPnS
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 27, 2022
With a ? in his 100th Test, David Warner joins an elite club #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/IZ6qdJiT5o
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 27, 2022
Congratulations broo!! Well deserved!????
— Aishani(A is silent)? (@chauhan_aishani) December 27, 2022
Such a wonderful Player "David Warner"
— Niraj Gupta (@NirajGu67442327) December 27, 2022
