David Warner 100 Tests: A look at the top 3 Centuries by David Warner in Test cricket

When Australia takes on South Africa in the 2nd Test at the MCG, Warner would be playing his 100th Test. In this piece, we look at his top 3 centuries in the format for Australia.

335no v Pakistan, Adelaide, 2019

A slew of records was broken in two days against a tenacious but outmatched Pakistan attack, but this inning was a victory of patience, perseverance, and fitness. GPS tracking indicated that Warner ran just under 21 kilometres with his bat in hand during a record-breaking innings that lasted more than nine hours and 127 overs over the first two days of the Adelaide Test. The runs came at an astonishing rate for such a long inning – he reached 300 on his 389th pitch and celebrated the triple-ton with tremendous zeal. His entire innings lasted 418 balls at an 80.14 strike rate, with 39 boundaries and one six. Although Brian Lara’s world record Test score of 400 was not out of the question, skipper Tim Paine called the innings off once Warner had overtaken Sir Donald Bradman’s best of 334. He was only the seventh Australian to reach a triple tonne in a Test, and this was Warner’s highest Test total.

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145 v South Africa, 2014, Cape Town

Test tonne No.8 and his second in such a crucial Test match highlighted Warner’s excellent form for this heavyweight contest for the Test No.1 position. After blazing a first-day century from just 104 balls, Warner followed it up on day four with a thrilling 145 that set up Australia’s declaration after lunch on the fourth day. Warner had set the tone for the Test with his day-one century; this performance was savage, almost scornful, as he dispatched bowlers to all parts of Newlands, South Africa’s stronghold. He and Rogers had raced ahead, putting up 123 in 20 overs, with Warner making 75 off 57 balls. His extraordinary form was summed up by a six lofted back over Dale Steyn’s head with one knee firmly planted on the ground; here was a guy in total control. When Australia’s bowlers needed to rest before a fourth-innings charge, Warner slowed down. He needed 124 balls to score his century, the first time he had scored two tonnes in a Test.

112 v Bangladesh, Dhaka, 2017

When Warner was out for eight in the first innings against Bangladesh, it first appeared like spin bowling, which had previously been Warner’s kryptonite, would be much the same on this tour. But the behind-the-scenes work paid off spectacularly when his side desperately needed a hero in the fourth inning. The class opener put on a masterclass against slow bowling, something that had never before been seen by him. He confidently moved down the wicket and carved out a spectacular hundred from only 121 balls as they tried to chase 265. Warner afterwards referred to it as his best Test tonne. Australia should have won thanks to his kind of performance, but in the fourth inning, none of his colleagues could score more than 37, leaving Australia 20 runs short. Warner’s great hand will be seen as a diamond in the Dhaka rough, regardless of the outcome.