Warner cuts loose with double-century

David Warner was unbeaten on 244 at stumps and Usman Khawaja scored 121 as Australia dominated the opening day of the second Test against New Zealand in Perth.

The Black Caps were left with an unwelcome feeling of deja vu, with second-wicket pair Warner and Khawaja – who each hit hundreds on the opening day at the Gabba last week to set the hosts up for a convincing win in the first Test – sharing a 302-run stand at the WACA as Australia cruised to 416-2 at stumps.

Opener Joe Burns (40) and Khawaja were the wickets to fall as the tourists endured another long and largely fruitless day in the field after again losing the toss.

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Burns became the first man to go when he was bowled off an inside edge by Matt Henry shortly after bringing up the century partnership with Warner.

Khawaja offered a couple of chances but New Zealand were unable to capitalise.

Warner brought up his 15th Test hundred – off 118 balls with 12 fours – with a drag-pull over mid-wicket off Craig.

Khawaja, whose hundred in Brisbane was his first at Test level, did not have to wait too long for his second, arriving off 132 balls with 10 fours and two sixes.

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He moved into three figures in the final session by guiding Henry fine of gully for a stylish boundary.

Warner recorded his maiden double century off 236 balls with 17 fours and two sixes.

Warner was on 199 at the start of the 80th over, and, despite everyone in trying to save the single, the 29-year-old pushed the first ball wide of mid-on to move to the landmark.

He celebrated by removing his helmet and kissing it, before ruthlessly setting back to work.

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Khawaja departed not long before the close to give New Zealand some consolation for their day’s toil, caught by Tom Latham at short cover off the bowling of Doug Bracewell.

With runs there for the taking, captain Steve Smith joined Warner in the middle and was five not out by the end of another thoroughly one-sided opening day’s action.