Australia vs Pakistan Day 2: David Warner, Joe Burns hammer hapless tourists

David Warner has gone some way towards erasing his Ashes nightmare, notching his 22nd Test century as Australia piled on the runs against Pakistan at the Gabba - but he did receiving a giant slice of good fortune along the way.

Australian batsman David Warner on reaching his half century on day two of the first Test Match between Australia and Pakistan at the Gabba in Brisbane, Friday, November 22, 2019. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY, IMAGES TO BE USED FOR NEWS REPORTING PURPOSES ONLY, NO COMMERCIAL USE WHATSOEVER, NO USE IN BOOKS WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT FROM AAP

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David Warner’s Ashes misery became a distant memory as he sent a message to the cricket world that he is still one of the game’s most feared batsmen.

The opener started the Test losing his baggy green in the dressing room, although that was nothing compared to the alarm bells that rang out as he struggled against Stuart Broad in England earlier this year.

But at first opportunity back at home after his ball-tampering ban, Warner proved with a trademark bulldozing century at the Gabba that he has lost none of the bristling confidence that has made him such an indestructible force.

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David Warner's Ashes horrors were a distant memory as he carved up Pakistan at the Gabba.

Warner now has 22 Test centuries, including four at the Gabba, and only Sir Donald Bradman has scored more runs at a higher average on Australian soil.

The left-handed star also has 40 hundreds for Australia across all formats, bringing him equal with Matthew Hayden as second on the all-time list for most international tons behind the great Ricky Ponting (70).

Warner and Joe Burns (97) piled on an eye-watering 222-run opening stand in their Test match reunion, and both men want their partnership to continue long-term as Australia finished day two 1-312 and 72 runs in front.

Given a life on 56 when debutant Naseem Shah gave up the prized first wicket to a front-foot no-ball, Warner denied feeling a build-up of pressure from his Ashes torment and 12-month ban as he delivered a ruthless response.

“I don’t feel under pressure at all. For me it’s about going out there and backing my ability,” he said.

“Yeah, the Ashes for me was a failure, but I know what I’m capable of doing. I was on the end of a great spell and a great series by a very good bowler (Broad) and there was nothing more I could do.

“I wasn’t out of form I was out of runs.

“I had (a year off) to reflect and get away from the game. (It was) grounding.

“… Today I had a little bit of luck and that’s what you need in the game. Over there I didn’t get much luck at all. I’ve done everything I can to come back out here and score runs. I’ve worked my backside off.”

Burns lamented the “bitter feeling” of being bowled around his legs by a leg-spinner when just three runs shy of a fifth Test century in 17 Tests but denied he stiffened up in the nervous 90s.

Joe Burns (R) celebrates with David Warner during their monster first-wicket partnership. Picture: Getty

But he received support from Warner that their “rekindled love” should be locked in as a long-term partnership.

Burns and Warner are now the most productive opening pair in the history of Test cricket at the Gabba, surpassing Hayden and Langer’s mark of 563 runs (from eight innings) in just three innings together.

“Me and my wife got introduced to (Burns’) girlfriend the other day and we had a nice meal and it was just great to rekindle that sort of love we had,” said Warner.

“We always keep in touch when we’re not playing together.

“Yes is the answer (to staying together). The success we’ve had together especially here at home has been fantastic and had this energy about us, we communicate a lot.”

Marnus Labuschagne will resume on 55 with a golden shot at a maiden Test hundred.

This time last year Warner was the solitary man of Australian cricket, banished to the outskirts of the game.

Everything went Australia's way on Friday - including this no-ball call, which saved David Warner's bacon.

On Friday he finished unbeaten on 151, with his stature in the game well and truly restored.

“As you know, there was a bit of pressure on Davey coming into this Test match after the Ashes,” beamed coach Justin Langer on Channel 7.

“We know how good a player he is. We talk about that. He works so hard. His running between wickets, is unbelievable.

“I haven’t seen Davey hit as many balls in the past three days as I have in the last eight or nine months he’s been back. Brilliant preparation. Joe Burns the same.”

Originally published as Australia vs Pakistan Day 2: David Warner, Joe Burns hammer hapless tourists