The story behind Warner's celebration

David Warner says his unusual century celebration against New Zealand at the MCG was a nod to his new nickname in the Australian team - The Reverend.

Quick Single: More history for Warner at the MCG

On Friday, Warner hammered his second hundred in just four days against the Black Caps, his seventh ton of 2016 in a record-breaking year for the Australian vice-captain.

In addition to his trademark Toyota jump, the left-hander celebrated the milestone by raising his right arm in the air and bringing his left hand, which was holding his bat, to his chin.

He had also briefly held the pose upon reaching three figures in Canberra on Tuesday, and his repeat performance today had those at the ground and also at home curious as to its significance.

And after his magnificent innings came to an end on 156, Warner revealed it's a nod to his transformation from the uncontrollable 'Bull' to the evangelical 'Reverend'.

"It's just a bit of an in-house joke. The boys call me The Rev now because they reckon The Bull's been tamed a little bit," Warner told Wide World of Sports of his old and new monikers amongst his teammates.

Quick Single: The re re-birth of David Warner

Warner has earned the new nickname having transitioned from a one-time larrikin to a man who has so wholeheartedly embraced a new life as a doting dad, he was named Australia’s Sporting Father of the Year in August.

Report & Highlights: Australia v NZ, third ODI

His teammates had spoken openly about their teammate's tranquil persona earlier this year, when Warner's mood seemingly became more and more relaxed the longer their disappointing tour of South Africa progressed.

Where once Warner would meet setbacks with aggression, he was instead shrugging his shoulders and recommending those around him simply search for the good news angle.

It prompted one of his teammates to note, near the end of that South African tour, "I don’t know where they’ve taken the old Davey Warner, but I quite like this new version".

"After Sri Lanka, Davey was obviously pretty down ... and now he’s turned the tables and gone ultra-positive," his opener partner Aaron Finch said at the time.

"It’s something that is actually rubbing off on the boys. He’s just been ultra-positive around the group and he finds a positive in every scenario.

"Particularly on a tough tour like this where we’ve beaten so far, it’s always nice for the guys to stay up and about."

And the new moniker is something Warner has clearly embraced; he first added an additional flourish to his century celebration against the Proteas in October, on that occasion outstretching his arms and cocking his head skywards, in the exaggerated pose of a born-again preacher in full flight.

And, as the runs continue to pile up, it's a nickname that's sure to stick.

Warner's century on Friday was also extra special, coming after the unexpected passing of his former coach Lawrie Heil.

Heil was a foundation member and a long-time secretary of the Sydney Coastal Cricket Club, where both Warner and Usman Khawaja played in their junior days.

In a statement on the club's website, Heil's unique relationship with Warner was acknowledged.

"His commitment knew no bounds and he became a mentor and coach to David Warner an association that gave Laurie tremendous pride and satisfaction."

Warner wore a black armband during the match and his brother Steve also noted the significance of the innings.

- with Andrew Ramsey

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