Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Stunning Century Aids The Hosts Bounce Back From A Swift England Ashes Onslaught.

In the wake of the chaos of the Perth Test as well as Brisbane's day-night spectacle, a more familiar brand regarding Test cricket broke out at the Adelaide ground. For the home crowd, the day proved a day to enjoy, with their boy Alex Carey produced a magnificent century on his home venue as Australia the home side just shade day one.

Not that England, trailing 2-0 while clinging on in the contest, were entirely disappointed. Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a crucial toss and, despite being far from perfect, the English attack kept plugging away under 35c heat. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326 for eight off 83 overs – runs on the board yet likely short of their ambitions after Pat Cummins got the choice in the morning.

Jofra Archer Leads The Tourist's Resistance.

The standout among the tourists was speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 from 16 overs constituted a strong answer against some of criticism that came this past week. On this day he clearly led the bowling unit, clocking 88mph (142kph) with the speed gun and offering Stokes both control and clear menace. It was only towards the very end of the day – one over using the fresh cherry – that he appeared a bit weary.

After dismissed opener Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's initial over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three balls. Green's golden duck was a stark reminder that cricket can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip shot to mid-wicket occurring barely a day after trousering a record £1.5m contract for the upcoming IPL.

The Keeper's Invaluable Contribution Rescues The Ship.

Alex Carey's day, however, was nothing short of invaluable, peaking at 4.48pm when he drove Stokes through the covers for three runs and the crowd to rise in a huge roar. Coming off his virtuoso display behind the stumps in Brisbane, his aggressive 106 off 143 deliveries ensured that a post-lunch wobble to 94/4 did not become a complete collapse. The 34-year-old is a serious cricketer nowadays.

Australia did leave some runs out there, though. Gone was that excessive bounce from the first two Tests replaced by just a hint of seam movement if the right area was located.

The pitch also offered some grip for off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his control was typical of a part-timer – resulting in figures of two for 105 off his 20 overs – and the balls that did to misbehave will encourage Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context with A Late Team Change.

The day's play was always going to be an emotional occasion for the host nation, arriving so shortly after the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi. The minute’s silence observed prior to the first ball was perfectly held, followed by folk singer a rendition delivering an emotional rendition of the anthem True Blue.

By this stage, Australia had also been forced into a change to their announced XI. Steve Smith pulled out after reporting feeling dizzy and nausea in the morning – seemingly recurrence of the vertigo which has intermittently troubled him since he was struck by Archer at Lord’s six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his Test career could be finished. Until Carey's arrival, the left-hander had held the innings steady, coming to the crease at 33/2 before crafting a fine 82 off 126 balls just a day from his 39th birthday. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Carey were crucial.

England's Mixed Bag Persists.

Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping heat, it remained still another frustrating day for the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather rolled over his inconsistent form of the first two Tests, picking up figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue picked up 1/63 from 15 overs.

The Durham bowler was erratic when handed sharing the new cherry early on, overstepping five times yet removing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a sublime catch by Zak Crawley at cover. This moment encapsulated the day for both sides: brilliance interspersed with some error-prone cricket.