Alex Carey's Stunning Hundred Helps Australia Regroup After An Early England Ashes Onslaught.

Following the pandemonium from the Perth Test and Brisbane's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of traditional brand of the longest format returned on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the delighted locals, it was one to savour, as homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman produced a sparkling century on his home turf to help Australia edge day one.

However, England, trailing 2-0 and still fighting in the series, were too downbeat. Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a crucial toss and, despite being far from perfect, his bowlers continued plugging away under sweltering conditions. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326 for eight from 83 overs – a total on the board yet likely below their expectations when Pat Cummins got the toss in the morning.

Jofra Archer Leads The Tourist's Effort.

The standout for England was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 off 16 overs were a strong answer against some of scrutiny that came his way. On this day he clearly spearheaded the bowling unit, clocking 88mph (142kph) with the speedometer and offering his captain both control and obvious menace. It was only towards the very end of play – one over using the fresh cherry – did he look somewhat jaded.

Having dismissed opener Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's initial over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. Green's duck served as a reminder that cricket can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder arriving less than a day following securing a record multi-million dollar deal for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Priceless Contribution Steadies The Ship.

Alex Carey's performance, in contrast, was simply priceless, culminating at late afternoon when he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three and the Adelaide faithful rose in a huge roar. Fresh from his masterful outing with the gloves at the Gabba, his counterattacking 106 runs off 143 deliveries ensured that the post-lunch wobble to 94 for four did not become a full-blown collapse. At 34, Carey has become a genuinely Test match player these days.

Australia undoubtedly left a few potential runs out there, however. Gone was the pronounced pace and bounce from the first two Tests replaced by only a fraction of seam movement if a good length was located.

The pitch also offered some turn to off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-timer – resulting in expensive figures of 2/105 off his 20 overs – and the balls that did to turn sharply will encourage Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop and A Late Switch.

The day's play was inevitably a poignant occasion for the host nation, coming so shortly in the wake of the horrific tragic incident in Bondi. A minute's silence observed before the start of play was immaculately observed, followed by musician John Williams performing a stirring version of the anthem True Blue.

Earlier, the hosts were also forced into a change from their announced XI. Steve Smith pulled out due to dizziness and sickness in the morning – an apparent return of a vertigo issue which has periodically affected him ever since he was struck by Archer at Lord's years back.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his Test career may be finished. Before Carey's arrival, Khawaja had held the innings together, walking out with the score on 33 for two and finessing 82 off 126 deliveries just a day from turning 39. Stands worth 61 runs with Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Alex Carey were significant.

The Tourist's Mixed Bag Continues.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the sapping conditions, this was still another frustrating outing for England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather rolled over his inconsistent form from the first two Tests, picking up figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 in 15 overs.

Carse was all over the shop when handed sharing the duty of the new cherry early on, no-balling five times yet removing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a sublime one-handed catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather summed up the day for both sides: moments of brilliance mixed with periods of error-prone play.