Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Sparkling Ton Assists The Baggy Greens Recover After Early England Ashes Assault.

After the pandemonium from Perth and the Gabba's day-night spectacle, a more familiar style regarding the longest format was witnessed on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the delighted home crowd, the day proved a day to savour, with homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman produced a sparkling century on his home ground as Australia the home side edge the first day's play.

Not that The touring English side, trailing 2-0 while still fighting in this series, could be too downbeat. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like a crucial toss and, though far from at their best, the English attack continued persevering under 35c heat. At stumps, Australia had reached 326-8 from 83 overs – a total on the board but surely short of initial expectations after captain Pat Cummins won the toss first thing.

The Pace of Archer Stands Out For England's Effort.

The standout among the tourists was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 off 16 overs constituted a strong answer to the scrutiny directed at him this past week. On this day he visibly led the attack, averaging 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer while providing Stokes both control and obvious menace. It was only towards the very end of the day – during a single over using the second new ball – did he look a bit jaded.

After bounced out Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's first over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three balls. Green's golden duck served as a stark reminder that this sport can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back to reality, his weak chip to mid-wicket arriving less than a day after trousering a massive multi-million dollar deal for the upcoming IPL.

Carey's Priceless Contribution Rescues The Innings.

Carey's performance, in contrast, was simply invaluable, peaking at late afternoon when he drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three and the Adelaide faithful rose in a huge roar. Coming off that masterful display with the gloves at the Gabba, his counterattacking 106 runs from 143 balls ensured that a post-lunch wobble to 94 for four did not become a complete collapse. The 34-year-old is a serious cricketer these days.

Australia did leave some potential runs on the field, though. Absent was that pronounced pace and bounce of the first two Tests and in its place only a fraction of seam movement if the right area was hit.

There was also some turn for off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-timer – hence figures of 2/105 off his 20 overs – and the balls he did get to misbehave will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Backdrop with A Late Switch.

The day's play was inevitably a poignant occasion for Australia, coming so shortly in the wake of the horrific tragic incident at Bondi. The minute’s silence before the start of play was immaculately observed, followed by folk singer a rendition delivering a stirring version of True Blue.

Earlier, the hosts had also been compelled to make an alteration from their stated XI. Steve Smith pulled out due to feeling dizzy along with sickness in the morning – an apparent return of a vertigo issue which has periodically troubled him since being felled by Archer at Lord’s six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his international career may be finished. Before the wicketkeeper's heroics, Khawaja had held the Australian innings together, walking out at 33 for two and crafting a fine 82 from 126 deliveries just a day from turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Alex Carey proved crucial.

England's Frustration Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, it remained yet another disappointing day from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse rather continued his form of the series, picking up figures of 2/70 off 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 in 15 overs.

Carse looked erratic when handed sharing the new ball early on, no-balling five times but still dismissing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley at cover. It rather encapsulated the day for both teams: brilliance mixed with some sloppy play.