AUS vs NZ: Warner, Khawaja Hit Tons, Aussies – 389/2 on Day-1

New Zealand’s tour match against the Cricket Australia was abandoned less than a week ago due to the wicket’s deteriorating surface becoming unfit for first-class cricket in Sydney.

Josh Hazlewood had Guptill (23) well caught by David Warner at third slip, and Latham continued with Kane Williamson in a 46-run stand to lift the total to 102 in a promising start before his dismissal triggered a collapse of four wickets for 16 runs in five overs.

While admitting New Zealand face a near impossible task to save the test, Williamson is not ready to concede defeat just yet.

The series-opener against New Zealand loomed as an ominous Test of Australia’s new-look top order.

“It’s always in my mind as a scoring option”, Warner said of the unorthodox stroke that he rarely plays in Test cricket.

With McCullum, Williamson and Ross Taylor stewarding the batting department and the Trent Boult-Tim Southee axis turning into one of the most risky bowling units in the world, New Zealand have a fighting chance.

Giving the best possible launch for the new-look team and the new chapter in the evolution of Australian Test cricket both Khawaja and Burns followed the lead of vice captain and opening powerhouse David Warner, who was eventually dismissed for 163.

Williamson (55 not out) and Watling (14no) ensured no further damage was done, with New Zealand closing on 157-5 to trail by 399 runs.

It was also the first time any opening pair had compiled 150-run plus partnerships in each innings of a Test match.

The expectation is Steve Smith and Brendon McCullum will bat first if they win the toss at the Gabba today.

Williamson’s century, his third from four Tests this year, was largely chanceless.

“My only concern for New Zealand is going to be the bounce on The Gabba and the second Test at The WACA”.

Following a string of failures to convert good starts during the Ashes series earlier this year, the 29-year-old’s 13th test century came up in 141 balls with 13 fours and one huge straight six. “I think both teams will be looking to bat first”.

Warner was equally matched by Burns who brought up his maiden century with a six before he got out for 129 runs off 123 balls.

He had one close call, before adding to his overnight score, when Boult hit him on the back pad in the second over.

He dabbled outside the off-stump and edged to Peter Nevill for 32 off 59 balls to leave the Kiwis at 185 for six.

“It’s important that we play positively and stick to our gameplan”.