Brisbane: David Warner backed up his feisty words with runs as he hit his 13th Test century and Usman Khawaja claimed his maiden ton as Australia took an iron grip on day one of the first Test against New Zealand on Thursday.


Usman Khawaja celebrates his maiden ton yesterday. Pic/AFP

The outspoken Warner, who had derided the Kiwis as "Mr. Nice Guys" and vowed an aggressive approach, lived up to his promise with his second-highest Test score against an underwhelming New Zealand attack at the Gabba. With Warner plundering 163 runs off 224 balls, the Australians pounded the ragged Black Caps to go to stumps at 389 for two -- their highest first-day score at the Brisbane ground.