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

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

The question on everyone’s lips at Adelaide Oval 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.

On Tuesday he was up to the task, holding sway as Chris Rogers and Shane Watson were dismissed edging and Michael Clarke limped off the ground.

Warner was cursing himself for picking out Ishant 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.

Warner rushed to Hughes’ aid when he hit the ground.

He didn’t leave his former Test opening partner’s side until Hughes was taken to hospital for emergency brain surgery.

Hughes died two days later, his final knock finishing 63 not out.

DAVID WARNER’S TOP SCORES AT TEST LEVEL:

*180 v India in Perth, Jan 2012

*145 v India in Adelaide, Dec 2014

*145 v South Africa in Cape Town, Mar 2014

DAVID WARNER’S STELLAR 2014:

*7 Tests, 13 innings

*959 runs at 73.76

*Five centuries, three half-centuries.