It was just the second first-ball dismissal of Warner's Test career - which will reach the 100-mark next week in Melbourne - and added to a lean two years where he is now averaging 27.00 without a century.

"I think what he should be doing is being as realistic and looking to the future as he can," Ponting said on Channel 7. "Like I said before, he deserves the chance to finish the way he wants to finish. I would hate to see him get to an Indian tour or at the start of the Ashes tour and then get the tap on the shoulder. That would be a disappointing way for his career to end…it might be after the Sydney Test. Let's wait and see. Also, I hope that he gets some runs between now and then."

"We all know the X-Factor of cricketer that David Warner is and the type of batter he is," Lyon said. "He's got 100% support of the changing room and [that] should be the whole Australian public, to be honest with you. Yes, he got a good steep bouncer today but that was a hell of a catch to hang onto. I'm expecting David to come out and do amazing things."

"He's eager to continue on at this stage," McDonald said. "He has not hinted [at] anything else," McDonald said. "His appetite for the work - in and around training - is still there. He's busy at the crease, and you've seen signs that he is going well. He's just found different ways to get out, and sometimes that can happen."

For South Africa's part, Warner's dismissal was the ideal start for them after being bundled out for 152 and they rode the wave to reduce Australia to 27 for 3 but could not sustain the pressure until a couple of late wickets, including Steven Smith, provided a much-needed lift.

"When we got bowled out for 150-odd, as much as you want to try and get the energy up it can be quite difficult," Kyle Verreynne said. "So to get the wicket the first ball of the innings, and when it's a big player like David Warner, that just lifts everyone up and for the next 10 overs, we carried that energy and adrenalin from that ball. Unfortunately, we fell away a bit but it was definitely a massive moment."