MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Opening batsman David Warner enjoyed a gift-wrapped century after being reprieved on 99 as Australia endured a meandering first day of the Boxing Day test against England on Tuesday. Smith's brilliant series continued, the Australian captain 65 not out at the close, with Shaun Marsh also unbeaten on 31. Smith now remains unbeaten in three consecutive Boxing Day tests, having scored a total of 434 runs in matches against West Indies, Pakistan and now England. All-rounder Chris Woakes broke Warner and Bancroft's 122-run partnership by having Bancroft lbw for 26. Warner was caught on 99 just before the drinks break, a clumsy pull-shot off Curran's no-ball lobbing to Broad at mid-on.

Source: The Star December 26, 2017 01:52 UTC