Mature Warner becomes scary prospect

Usman Khawaja says a greater maturity shown by David Warner has helped the explosive opener become one of the best batsmen in the world.

Australian batsman David Warner reacts after scoring a century

David Warner has posted a century in the second Test, making it four consecutive tons against NZ. (AAP)

David Warner always had talent and flair. But it's his newest asset that makes him one of the scariest prospects in world cricket - maturity.

Warner continued his hot form on Friday with a career-high 244no against New Zealand in the second Test at the WACA Ground.

Four years ago, Warner announced himself on the international stage with a blistering 180 off 159 balls against India in Perth.

The breathtaking innings showcased Warner's immense talent.

But he would go on to score just one more Test century in his next 33 innings, with his brash decision-making often causing his undoing.

Spasmodic, hit-and-miss, and unpredictable were terms often associated with Warner back then.

But now he has a new title to accompany his name: reliable.

The 29-year-old still goes hard - mighty hard in fact. But importantly, he knows how to stay patient when the situation calls for it.

Dot balls don't faze him like they used to, and he's become adept at picking off singles when the field has been moved back.

Against the Kiwis on Friday, he picked off 85 singles, while the innings also featured 136 dot balls.

Long-time friend Usman Khawaja, who shared a 302-run partnership with Warner on Friday, said Warner was now a more rounded batsman.

"I've spent an enormous amount of time batting with Davey since I was a kid. He hasn't changed much, except maybe he's a little bit more mature," Khawaja said.

"He knows he's got the explosiveness up there with the best cricketers in the world. but he doesn't always have to use it and I think he's learned that now.

"He sort of picks and chooses when he needs to use it."

Warner scored 163 and 116 in the first Test against NZ, earning man-of-the-match honours in Australia's 208-run win last week at the Gabba.

His maiden double century in Perth has put Australia in the box seat to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Warner celebrated with gusto upon reaching his century, leaping high in the air before giving Usman Khawaja a big hug.

His leap upon reaching his double century understandably didn't reach the same heights after spending more than six hours in 36-degree heat.

But his passion and determination were still clear to see.

Fleeting knocks don't interest Warner anymore. He's a man hungry for runs. Lots of runs.

In 2013, Warner was labelled a loose cannon after punching England star Joe Root in a bar.

But the Test vice-captaincy has helped Warner grow on the field, while a settled family life off it has given him great balance.

Warner still loves getting into a verbal stoush, but his words are measured, and often work to destabilise an opposition player or team.

The flamboyant opener now has three consecutive Test centuries to his name, while he also etched his name into the record books by becoming the first player to post three Test centuries at the WACA.

Odds are, there'll be plenty more centuries to come.


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Source: AAP



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