David Warner's double century puts Australia in control

MELBOURNE: Starved off a century for nearly three years, underfire Australian opener David Warner respond with a brilliant double century in his milestone 100th Test, becoming only the second batsman after England's Joe Root to do so, on the second day of the second Test against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground here on Tuesday.

Warner joined a special club in the afternoon session, becoming the 10th batsman to score a century in his 100th Test in the Boxing Day Test, becoming the second Aussie batter in this elite list. He went on to set an even better record, racing to his double century as Australia took the driver's seat in the second test, scoring 386/3 off 91 overs in the second Test against South Africa.

Having shot out South Africa for 189 in their first innings, Australia now lead the visitors by 197 runs with seven wickets in their kitty and three days to go in the match.

The credit for putting Australia in this situation goes to Warner, who scored 200 off 254 deliveries, hitting 16 boundaries and two sixes before retiring hurt, exhausted by the sweltering conditions at the MCG.

Warner resurrected the Australian innings from 75/2 as he raised a double-century partnership with Steve Smith, who scored a fine 85 off 161 deliveries, hitting nine fours and one six. At stumps on the second day, Travis Head was batting on even-ball 48 with Alex Carey keeping him company with nine runs.

The sweltering conditions were very tough for the hosts as Cameron Green too retired hurt when he was batting on six off 20 deliveries. The South African bowlers toiled hard throughout the day with limited success.

Brief scores: South Africa 189 trail Australia 386/3 in 92 overs (David Warner 200 rt hurt, Steve Smith 85, Travis Head 48 not out; Anrich Nortje 1-50) by 197 runs. IANS

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