Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Assists Australia Recover From A Swift England Test Series Charge.

After that pandemonium of Perth as well as the Gabba's pink-ball palooza, a more familiar style regarding red-ball cricket returned at the Adelaide ground. For the delighted locals, it was one to savour, with local hero Alex Carey produced an outstanding century at his home venue as Australia Australia just shade the opening day.

Not that The touring English side, 2-0 down and still fighting in the contest, could be too disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a crucial coin toss and, though not perfect, his bowlers kept toiling in scorching heat. At stumps, the Australians were 326 for eight off 83 overs – runs on the board yet likely below initial ambitions after Pat Cummins won the choice in the morning.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Fightback.

The most impressive performer among England was speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 off 16 overs were a powerful response against some of scrutiny that came this past week. On this day he clearly led the bowling unit, clocking 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun and offering Stokes a combination of control and clear threat. It was only towards the end of play – during a single over with the fresh cherry – did he look a bit weary.

After dismissed Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's initial over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three balls. Green's duck served as a stark reminder of how this sport can bring a player back to reality, coming from weak chip shot to mid-wicket occurring less than a day after securing a massive £1.5m contract in the IPL.

Carey's Priceless Innings Rescues The Innings.

Alex Carey's day, in contrast, was nothing short of priceless, peaking at 4.48pm as he drove Ben Stokes through cover for three runs which prompted the crowd rose with a roar. Fresh from his masterful outing behind the stumps at the Gabba, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 off 143 deliveries ensured that a post-lunch wobble to 94/4 failed to develop into a complete collapse. At 34, Carey has become a genuinely cricketer these days.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left a few runs on the field, though. Absent was that excessive pace and bounce from the opening matches replaced by only a fraction of nibble when the right area was located.

There was also a bit of turn to Will Jacks, even if his control was typical of a part-time spinner – resulting in expensive figures of two for 105 from his 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to turn sharply will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context and Late Team Change.

The day's play was always going to be an emotional day for the host nation, coming so soon after a devastating tragic incident in Bondi. The minute’s silence observed before the start of play was perfectly observed, broken only by folk singer John Williams performing an emotional rendition of True Blue.

By this stage, the hosts were also compelled to make an alteration from their announced starting eleven. Steve Smith pulled out due to dizziness along with sickness in the morning – seemingly recurrence of a vertigo issue that has periodically troubled him since he was struck by Archer at Lord's six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his international career may be finished. Until Carey's arrival, Khawaja had held the innings steady, walking out at 33/2 before crafting a fine 82 off 126 deliveries just a day before turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Carey proved significant.

The Tourist's Frustration Persists.

Archer aside, and despite the sapping heat, it remained still another frustrating day from England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his inconsistent form of the first two Tests, finishing with two for 70 off 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 in 15 overs.

Carse was erratic when tasked with sharing the duty of the new ball first thing, overstepping on five occasions but still dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a sublime catch by Zak Crawley at cover. It rather summed up the day for both teams: brilliance mixed with some error-prone play.