Australia vs New Zealand: Usman Khawaja ends search for number three with maiden century against Black Caps at Gabba

Updated

Recalled batsman Usman Khawaja appears to have ended Australia's long search for a Test number three after a masterful 174 against New Zealand at the Gabba.

In his first Test in two years, Khawaja finally marked his maiden ton in the Baggy Green, his innings helping Australia reach a commanding first innings total of 4 for 556 (declared).

The Black Caps were 5 for 157 in response ahead of day three.

Before his comeback Test in Brisbane, Khawaja warned: "Just because I have been picked...doesn't mean I am somehow going to be Don Bradman".

But he still did his best impersonation, joining a list of record Gabba Test scores at number three thanks to his immaculate knock.

Only Bradman (226, 187, 185), Greg Chappell (201) and the man Australian selectors had found so hard to replace since his 2013 retirement - Ricky Ponting (196) - have been better in Brisbane than Khawaja.

"It was fantastic to see," Mitchell Starc said of the six-hour knock.

"He's got plenty more hundreds in him and hopefully there's a few more in this series."

Australia selectors have tried 11 players at number three since farewelling Ponting, including Khawaja for the first time in 2011.

And their frustrating quest appeared to have come to an end when Steve Smith averaged 79 at first drop, only to voluntarily move to number four when he took over the captaincy this summer.

But their search again appears over before it can really begin thanks to Khawaja who boosted his average from 25.13 to 34.43 with his sublime knock.

Khawaja's 174 also easily eclipsed in one innings what he had amassed in his three previous stints in the Australian team.

He made 118 runs in 2011 Ashes series, 145 in South Africa the same year and 114 during the 2013 series in England.

Overall, Khawaja had amassed just 377 runs at 25.13 with just two 50s in nine Tests before being dropped after the 2013 Ashes series in England.

But it seems the stage was always set for the 28-year-old to stake another Test number three claim at the Gabba.

In eight Sheffield Shield matches at the Brisbane venue, Khawaja had stroked 839 runs at 69.92, including three tons.

And the New South Wales-bred batsman loved the venue so much he relocated to Queensland in 2012, becoming their captain this summer.

"I've played a lot at the Gabba before. It's like a second home to me now," Khawaja said on Thursday.

AAP

Topics: cricket, sport, brisbane-4000

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