Canberra - Usman Khawaja and Joe Burns enhanced their chances of returning to the Australia test team with centuries for the Cricket Australia XI Saturday on the first day of a two-day match against New Zealand at Manuka Oval.
The composite side, captained by Khawaja, was 325-4 at stumps on day one after winning the toss and choosing to bat. Burns made 102 before retiring and Khawaja was 111 not out at stumps.
Opener Cameron Bancroft, who is also pushing for selection in the first test against New Zealand at Brisbane from November 5, made 42 and Adam Voges retired at 33 after making 55 for the Prime Minister's XI against New Zealand on Friday.
Shaun Marsh didn't help his test chances when he was out for 11 while his brother Mitch Marsh was unbeaten on 18.
The match concludes on Sunday.