'Never learns': David Warner embroiled in bizarre Ashes 'cheating' drama

It took all of 10 minutes for David Warner to become embroiled in controversy in his first Test match for Australia since the ball-tampering scandal.

The much-maligned opener strode out to bat to a chorus of boos to begin the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston on Thursday, but the drama didn’t stop there.

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Warner found himself at the centre of a bizarre rules furore when umpire Aleem Dar was forced to step in because Warner was batting too far outside his crease.

In an apparent attempt to blunt the swing of England’s bowlers, Warner was taking his stance about a metre outside his crease.

It certainly made for a bizarre scene, but it was made even more bizarre when Dar informed him he was actually breaking the rules.

Just like bowlers can’t run on the ‘danger zone’ of the pitch in front of the crease, batsmen also aren’t allowed to stand in that particular area while batting.

Dar walked in from square leg and made Warner move back to an acceptable position closer to his crease.

It was a similar story for England’s Jonny Bairstow in last week’s Test against Ireland, with umpires also rebuking the wicketkeeper for where he was standing.

The fact that Warner was technically contravening the rules wasn’t lost on fans, especially considering moments before he had nicked one down the leg-side to Jonny Bairstow but didn’t walk.

Despite a big appeal from Stuart Broad, Joe Root opted against reviewing the not out decision - much to the chagrin of the locals when it was shown on the big screen.

Those jeers ramped up just minutes later when Warner was given a stern talking to by Dar.

"Same old Warner, always cheating," sang the crowd in the Hollies Stand as Dar continued his lecture.

Fans on social media were also happy to label Warner’s actions ‘cheating’:

However Warner’s luck finally ran out soon after when Dar raised his finger to another lbw appeal from Broad.

Despite the ball looking suspiciously like it was angling down leg side, Warner walked off with two runs to his name and without consulting with Cameron Bancroft to a chorus of 'cheerio cheerio' from the sandpaper-waving Birmingham fans.

Smith’s ton rescues Australia

Steve Smith picked up right where he left off, brushing aside Edgbaston's barbs and boos to produce one of his "best hundreds" while lifting Australia to a total of 284.

England reached 0-10 at stumps, surviving two overs after Smith's superb knock of 144.

Smith, as was so often the case prior to the Cape Town cheating scandal, looked to be batting on a different pitch to teammates as Broad ignited collapses of 3-33 and 5-23 in Birmingham.

Australia crumbled to 8-122 before Smith, who successfully reviewed his lbw dismissal to Broad on 34 in the 34th over, landed counter-punches with help from Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon.

Warner and Bancroft both fell to Broad cheaply but Smith excelled in his Test comeback after a year-long ban, starting cautiously then teeing off as the tiring bowlers ran out of ideas.

There were some boos for Smith upon reaching three figures, a milestone he achieved by pushing a Ben Stokes delivery through the covers and to the rope.

However, plenty of supporters in the sold-out crowd stood and applauded Smith's 24th Test ton that triggered emotive scenes on Thursday.

"I didn't really know what to do to be honest, it's been a long time coming," Smith said of his century celebrations.

"I just saw the boys going berserk on the balcony ... to get to my hundred and give him (Lyon) really big hug and let all my emotions out, that was really special.

"Really proud that I was able to help pull the team out of a little bit of trouble.

"It has got to be one of my best hundreds, definitely."

with AAP