Cricket: David Warner honours fallen Phillip Hughes with his finest century

David Warner has blasted faster centuries, perhaps more important ones and even a bigger score at test level.

But given the circumstances yesterday's knock of 145 at Adelaide Oval was arguably his finest.

The question on everyone's lips in the first test against India when Mohammed Shami took the new ball was how Australia would fare in their first session following the shock death of Phillip Hughes.

Warner delivered a prompt and definitive answer, as Shami and Varun Aaron fluffed their lines early and gave the pugnacious left-hander too much width.

He lashed six boundaries in the opening three overs, unleashing cover drive after cover drive while racing to 32 off 15 balls.

Assessing the situation and respecting first-change bowler Ishant Sharma's control, he changed gears.

Those scurrying for the record books were wasting their time - this was not to be the fastest half-century or century at test level.

But Warner could hardly be accused of plodding - he was 77 at lunch, 131 at tea and finished with a strike rate of 88.95.

It was vital one of Australia's batsmen built a big score after Michael Clarke won the toss and gave them first use of a pristine pitch.

In previous years Warner might have floundered when burdened with the responsibility.

At stumps Australia were 354 for the loss of six wickets.

Yesterday Warner was up to the task, holding sway as Chris Rogers and Shane Watson were dismissed edging and Clarke limped off the ground retired hurt on 60.

Clarke was sent for urgent medical assessment after another flare-up of his long-term back injury.

He overcame a torn hamstring suffered on November 14 to be declared fit for the test.

He appeared untroubled by that injury throughout a stylish innings, making 60 from 84 balls before his back failed him.

Clarke instantly grimaced after ducking inside an Sharma bouncer which sailed down the leg side.

The 33-year-old then sank to his knees as team medicos raced on to the field.

Clarke attempted to loosen his back with some stretches but, after signalling he was having trouble turning his upper body, retired hurt.

The flare-up is the latest for Clarke who was diagnosed with a degenerative back condition as a teenager.

Warner was cursing himself for picking out Sharma in the deep, handing debutant legspinner Karn Sharma his first test scalp.

But the 28-year-old walked off to a standing ovation from the Adelaide Oval crowd.

It was as much about Warner's mental strength as it was his runs.

Warner closed his eyes and looked to the sky when he passed 50, 63 and 100 - moments of remembrance wedged between the bouncers and boundaries.

Warner was in the field for NSW when friend Hughes was struck and fatally injured by a bouncer on November 28 during a Sheffield Shield game at the SCG. Hughes died two days later.