David Warner has praised Australia's top order after the tourists made a strong start to the fifth Ashes Test on the first day at The Oval.

Warner put on an opening partnership of 110 with Chris Rogers on the way to scoring 85, and Steve Smith continued their good work with an unbeaten 78 as Australia reached 287-3 after being asked to bat by Alastair Cook.

After batting collapses at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge gifted the series to England, Warner admits that it was pleasing to bat so well on Friday.

"We knew it was going to be tough conditions, for us it was about leaving and respecting good deliveries. Me and Chris left well, which put us in a great position," he told reporters.

"The England bowlers bowled well but I felt it was our day. To come out and show what we're made of was fantastic from our top order."

Smith will resume his innings alongside Adam Voges (47*) on Friday morning.