Gift-wrapped century for Warner as England woes continue

Warner was caught on 99 off a no ball bowled by debutant Curran

Opening batsman David Warner enjoyed a gift-wrapped century after being reprieved on 99 as Australia emerged on top at the close of a meandering first day of the Boxing Day Test against England on Tuesday.

Warner was caught at mid-on on the cusp of his 21st Test hundred, and first of the ongoing Ashes, but the wicket was cancelled to the delight of a festive Melbourne Cricket Ground when the replay showed England's debutant paceman Tom Curran had overstepped.

The home vice-captain reached his ton on the next ball and while he was unable to push on much further his 103 helped drive Australia to 244 for three at stumps, a strong position after skipper Steve Smith won the toss and opted to bat on a slow, flat wicket.

Warner said he was delighted to be given another life on 99.

"Getting recalled was obviously fantastic," he told reporters.

"It was a bit of a roller coaster of emotions between those two deliveries, that's for sure."