Brisbane: The series-opener against New Zealand loomed as an ominous test of Australia's new-look top order. On first evidence, David Warner, Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja have the makings of a formidable top three, guiding Australia to 389-2 at stumps after a dominant first day.
Warner posted 163 — crossing 150 for only the second time in his 44 tests — and shared partnerships of 161 with fellow opener Burns (71) and 150 with No. 3 Khawaja (102 not out), who both posted their highest test scores after being thrown straight into action on their national recalls.
It was the highest first-day total ever at the Gabba, where Australia hasn't lost a test since 1988.
Skipper Steve Smith, who started the day by winning the toss in overcast conditions, went in to bat at Warner's departure with the total 311-2 and shared a 78-run stand with Khawaja, surpassing 1,000 runs for the calendar year as he moved to 41 not out by stumps.
Khawaja's maiden test hundred contained two classic, driven sixes, a dozen boundaries and came off 123 balls in his 10th test — and first since 2013.
"We knew if we could grind away and bring their strike bowlers back it'd make it a lot easier at the end of the day and I think the scoreboard reflects that," Warner said. "Each individual, when we came to the crease, we built big partnerships. We ticked off (the main objectives) with the first two batters and credit to Uzzy for his first hundred — I couldn't be any more proud, as a childhood friend."
The New Zealand bowlers weren't helped by a relatively flat wicket and a lack of swing — with only Tim Southee (1-63) and James Neesham (1-36) snaring wickets — and the fielding was uncharacteristically sloppy.
New Zealand wicketkeeper BJ Watling said Warner and Khawaja put pressure on the bowlers but quick wickets Friday could swing momentum around.
"Australia won that day, but we'll continue to fight," he said.
Warner plundered 21 boundaries and a six from 224 balls before chasing a wider Neesham delivery and edging to slip, where Ross Taylor took a leaping, one-handed catch.
It was Warner's 13th test century, and only his second for 2015, ending a run of half centuries in six tests without converting to triple figures.
Burns, playing in his third test but first as an opener, was the only wicket to fall in the first two sessions.
He stroked 12 boundaries before edging Southee behind to BJ Watling after posting his third consecutive test 50 — following pair of half centuries against India in January.
The Australian openers dug in and defended early to see off a challenging opening burst from Southee and Trent Boult, rated by New Zealand great Richard Hadlee as the country's best new-ball combination ever. The Australians scored eight runs from the first seven overs, but rapidly lifted the run-rate from the second hour and against the change bowlers.
Warner had one close call, on 39, when Doug Bracewell hit him on the pads and asked for a review of the not-out decision. Replays showed the ball pitched outside the line.
Brendon McCullum's established New Zealand lineup entered the series in a confident mood, aiming for their country's first test series win in Australia since 1985.
The Australian team appeared to be vulnerable, with Smith in charge for his first test series and with Burns and Khawaja recalled after a number of veterans retired, and given two matches to prove themselves to selectors. So far, for the top order at least, so good.
