David Warner: Australia opener hits unbeaten 244 against New Zealand

Warner's innings took his Test average to 52 from 45 games

David Warner made his maiden double century as Australia piled up 416-2 against New Zealand on the first day of the second Test at the Waca.

The left-hander hit an unbeaten 244 off 272 balls, with 22 fours and two sixes.

Usman Khawaja also scored a century (121) in a second-wicket stand of 302, as the hosts dominated in Perth.

Warner also hit centuries in both innings of the first Test of the series, which Australia lead 1-0, and averages 261.5 in the series to date.

"He was outstanding," Khawaja told ABC Radio. "I was shocked when he got his third hundred in a row. That's pretty impressive - not many people can do that.

"I just kept telling him he's a genius and he is, he's on fire. The way he's batting at the moment, he's making it look so easy.

"Test cricket isn't easy, no matter who you play against. It's just really nice to watch. I hope it continues for a long time - you don't want to waste good form."

Warner's achievement in numbers

• Second-highest score at the Waca, behind Matthew Hayden's 380 against Zimbabwe in 2003.

• First time an Australia opener has made two scores of 150 or more in a series since Bill Lawry against West Indies in 1968.

• Only Don Bradman (48), Matthew Hayden (77) and Neil Harvey (80) have taken fewer innings than Warner (84) to reach 4,000 Test runs.

• Warner has passed 50 at least once in 18 of his past 23 Tests.

• Currently averages 261.5 in the series to date

Social media reaction

Australia captain Steve Smith saluted Warner's achievements on Twitter

Ex-Australia bowler Jason Gillespie scored 201 not out as a nightwatchman in 2006 and was never picked again

An Australian journalist believes David Warner will have Brian Lara's world record 400 in his sights

Australia spinner Fawad Ahmed was in awe of Warner's innings

Listen to ball-by-ball commentary of every day of the Test series on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra from 02:05 GMT.