David Warner says Australia's batsmen have responded to the "kick up the backside" they received from South Africa after another strong performance with the bat on Wednesday.
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Warner ton keeps Australia alive
David Warner survived being bowled off a no ball to score a century from just 113 balls as Australia began a confident reply to Pakistan's 443.
Australia's new-look batting line-up passed another major test on the third day when they thundered at 4.79 runs per over, to make major inroads into Pakistan's first innings of 443.
For the third game in a row, the home side have been powered by a first-innings century from one of their three senior batsmen. In Adelaide it was Usman Khawaja, in Brisbane it was captain Steve Smith and this time it was vice-captain David Warner who led the way.
The opener crashed 144 off only 143 balls as Australia reached 2/278 at stumps on the third day.
The strong form of Australia's senior batting core means impressive newcomer Peter Handscomb will again not have to come to the crease under enormous pressure.
The performances of the past month is in marked contrast to the diabolical batting in Sri Lanka and the first two Tests against South Africa, where Australia regularly lost wickets in clusters.
"It also has to do with the consistency of the opposition bowling. When you look at game two against South Africa they really had us on our throats," Warner said.
![David Warner celebrates reaching his century on day three of the second Test.](/web/20161229041108im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/j/0/u/t/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtj0sy.png/1482933226092.jpg)
"They had the ball in the same line and length six balls in a row, consistent pressure and it is quite challenging.
"The conditions were conducive to seam bowling, and there was a lot of swing around
"You have to keep working hard in the nets. We got a big kick up the backside that series and we've worked hard and that's why we're scoring the runs now.
Khawaja needs only five more runs to join Warner in triple figures. It would be the first time this summer he has scored a century at No.3. His ton in Adelaide came as an opener.
While being not out overnight in the 90s would lead to sleepless nights for many batsmen, Warner does not think it will affect Khawaja.
"It would not bother him the slightest, Ussie is the most calm, relaxed bloke you would ever meet," Warner said.