Chennai, Feb 22 (IANS): Australia lost two quick wickets but opening batsman David Warner struck a fighting half-century to enable the visitors reach a healthy 126 for two in their first innings at lunch on the first day of the first cricket Test match against India at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium here Friday.

Warner, playing with a tender thumb, was batting on 58 and Shane Watson on 28 at the break after skipper Michael Clarke opted to bat.

For India, Ravichandran Ashwin was the lone successful bowler bagging two for 30.

Australia made a rapid start with Warner and Ed Cowan (29) adding some quick runs for their 64-run stand.

Cowan departed in his needless attempt to charge down the ground and was stumped by Mahendra Singh Dhoni off Ashwin. Phil Jacques (6) also made a quick exit after chopping on to his stumps in his attempt to cut Ashwin.

Warner, who survived two chances, then grew in confidence and found a perfect ally in Watson as they added 54 runs for their unfinished third-wicket stand.

Warner was first dropped on 18 by Virender Sehwag ar first slip off Ashwin and then escaped a stumping when on 27 again to the local boy.