The first Test: Warner’s hundred guides Australia to 354-6

Opener dedicates ton to departed teammate Hughes

ADELAIDE: Australia's David Warner dedicated his century to departed teammate Phillip Hughes as emotions over the batsman's death dominated the delayed first Test against India.

Warner's 145 off 163 balls, studded with several glances to the heavens, was the mainstay of Australia's innings as they reached 354-6 at the end of day one in Adelaide.

But on a day of tributes to Hughes, there were also concerns when skipper Michael Clarke retired hurt with a back problem. The 33-year-old who had to pass a fitness test on a hamstring problem before playing, left the ground for further assessment of his long-standing lower back complaint.

In a poignant moment Warner, one of the first to rush to Hughes when he was struck down in Sydney, embraced batting partner Clarke in a long mid-pitch hug as the opener reached his fifth century this year.

“There was a lot of adrenalin going through my head and I knew the little man [Hughes] up there was with me at the other end and you know, it all fell into place," said Warner. “That was definitely for him today. He was there when I scored my first hundred — he was at the other end — and I dedicate that 100 to him today. Clarke said to me he would be proud of us both and try to get on and win the game.”

India will be now looking to get the remaining three wickets early as Australia lost quick wickets to the second new ball and slumped from 345-3 in the 85^th over to 354-6 at stumps.

 

 
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