Alex Carey's Sparkling Ton Helps Australia Bounce Back After Early England Ashes Assault.

After that frenzy of Perth as well as Brisbane's pink-ball palooza, an outbreak of traditional style of the longest format broke out at the Adelaide ground. For the locals, it was one to cherish, as their boy Alex Carey delivered an outstanding hundred on his home venue to help the home side edge day one.

However, England, trailing 2-0 and clinging on in the contest, were too downbeat. Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like an ominous toss and, though not perfect, the English attack continued persevering under 35c conditions. At stumps, the Australians were 326-8 from 83 overs – a total on the board yet likely below initial expectations when Pat Cummins got the choice in the morning.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Effort.

The most impressive performer for the tourists was speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 from his 16 overs constituted a strong response to some of criticism that came his way. On this day he clearly spearheaded the bowling unit, clocking 88mph (142kmh) on the speed gun while providing his captain both control and obvious threat. Only at the very end of the day – during a single over using the second new ball – did he look a bit weary.

After dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's first over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three deliveries. The all-rounder's duck served as a stark reminder that this sport can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, coming from weak chip to the mid-wicket fielder arriving less than a day after securing a record multi-million dollar deal in the Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Invaluable Innings Steadies The Ship.

Alex Carey's performance, in contrast, was simply priceless, culminating at 4.48pm when he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through cover for three and the Adelaide faithful to rise with a roar. Fresh from his virtuoso display with the gloves at the Gabba, his aggressive 106 from 143 deliveries made sure that the mid-innings stumble to 94/4 failed to develop into a complete crisis. At 34, Carey has become a serious Test match player nowadays.

Australia undoubtedly left some runs on the field, though. Absent was the excessive bounce of the first two Tests and in its place only a fraction of seam movement when the right area was hit.

The pitch also offered some grip for off-spinner Will Jacks, although his consistency was typical of a part-time spinner – resulting in expensive figures of 2/105 from his 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to misbehave will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context and A Late Team Change.

This was inevitably an emotional occasion for Australia, arriving so shortly in the wake of the horrific tragic incident at Bondi. The minute’s silence observed prior to the start of play was immaculately observed, followed by musician a rendition delivering an emotional version of the anthem True Blue.

By this stage, the hosts had also been compelled to make a change from their announced XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn due to dizziness along with nausea first thing – an apparent recurrence of the vertigo that has intermittently troubled him ever since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his international career may be finished. Before Carey's arrival, the left-hander had expertly held the Australian innings together, coming to the crease with the score on 33 for two and crafting 82 off 126 deliveries a day out before his 39th birthday. Stands of 61 with Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Carey were crucial.

The Tourist's Mixed Bag Continues.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the energy-sapping conditions, it remained yet another disappointing outing from England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his form of the first two Tests, finishing with figures of 2/70 from his 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 in 15 overs.

Carse was erratic when tasked with sharing the new ball early on, overstepping five times yet dismissing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a sublime catch from Zak Crawley at cover. It rather encapsulated the day's play for both sides: moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of sloppy play.