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Australia v New Zealand: 1st Test, Day Three - Aussies take massive lead after Williamson masterclass

Joe Burns (L) and David Warner (R) destroyed the Kiwi bowling lineup on Day Three

Australian openers David Warner and Joe Burns piled more misery on their trans-Tasman rivals as they were involved in a 237-run opening stand and scored quick centuries. After bowling out New Zealand for 317, the Australian batsmen came out with positive intent and played freely until bad light stopped play early.

Australia finished the third day on 264/4 in just 42 overs and were in a comfortable position although they lost the four wickets for just 26 runs. Both the Aussie openers scored tons as they extend Australia's lead to a mammoth 503.

Warner scored his second century of the Test match and became only the third person to score two centuries in a Test match for the third time in his career. Only Sunil Gavaskar and Ricky Ponting are the other batsmen who have achieved the unique feat.

The 29-year-old Australian opener scored 116 runs off 113 balls which included eight fours and two sixes. Warner continued the good form from the first innings as he hit the ball around the park with ease.

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. His innings included more boundaries as he hit 13 fours and four sixes.

Both the openers took full advantage of the injured Tim Southee's absence and spared no Kiwi bowler. None of the New Zealand bowlers had an economy rate of below 5.5 runs per over.

Earlier, Kane Williamson showed why he is currently the best batsman New Zealand have as he scored his 11th Test century and single-handedly took his team to a respectable total, one that would be enough to convince Steve Smith to send his players into bat again.

Williamson handled every bowler with the considerable ease that his fellow teammates failed to show. BJ Watling, Mark Craig, and Doug Bracewell hung around with Williamson for a while which allowed the 25-year-old to reach three figures.

The Mitchells were the pick of the Australian bowlers as they picked up seven wickets. Starc picked up four wickets for 57 runs, while, despite picking up three wickets, Johnson was quite expensive as he gave away 105 runs at 5 runs per over.

Missing Southee has been a clear indication of New Zealand's weakness as the Aussie openers made merry. The Australians will be looking to extend their lead more on Day Four and post an impossible target for the Kiwis.

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