Ashes: David Warner, Steven Smith take Australia to 244/3 on Day 1 of 4th Test

Melbourne, Dec 26 (CRICKETNMORE) - David Warner cracked 103 as Australia reached 244 for three on the opening day of the fourth and penultimate Ashes Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) here on Tuesday. The opening batsman's

Later, Smith was joined in the middle by Shaun Marsh (31 not out) and the pair stitched together an unbeaten partnership of 84 runs for the fourth wicket.

Shaun survived an lbw review in his first delivery bowled by Broad, but after that he and Smith had little trouble negotiating the English bowlers.

Smith, who had 491 runs at an average of 163.66 from five innings in the series before this game, struck six fours during his 131-ball stay at the crease by close of play.

Brief scores: Australia: 244/3 (David Warner 103, Steven Smith 65 not out; Stuart Broad 1/41) vs England on Day 1 of 4th Test.