Australia's Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Aids Australia Recover From Early English Test Series Assault.

Following the pandemonium of the Perth Test as well as Brisbane's day-night palooza, a more traditional brand regarding the longest format broke out at Adelaide Oval. For the delighted South Australian fans, it was one to enjoy, with local hero Alex Carey produced a sparkling century on his home turf as Australia the home side edge the opening day.

However, England, 2-0 down and clinging on in this series, were entirely disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like an ominous toss and, though far from perfect, his bowlers kept plugging away in sweltering conditions. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326-8 off 83 overs bowled – runs on the board but surely short of their expectations after captain Pat Cummins got the toss first thing.

The Pace of Archer Leads England's Fightback.

The standout among the tourists was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 from his 16 overs were a strong response against the criticism directed at him this past week. On this day he clearly led the attack, averaging 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer and offering his captain a combination of control and obvious threat. It was only towards the very end of play – one over using the fresh cherry – that he appeared a bit jaded.

After dismissed opener Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's first over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three deliveries. The all-rounder's duck was a reminder of how cricket can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back to reality, coming from tepid chip to mid-wicket arriving less than a day after trousering a massive multi-million dollar deal for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

Carey's Priceless Innings Rescues The Innings.

Carey's day, in contrast, was nothing short of invaluable, culminating around 4.48pm as he drove Stokes through the covers for three and the crowd to rise in a huge roar. Fresh from that masterful display with the gloves in Brisbane, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 runs from 143 deliveries made sure that the post-lunch wobble to 94 for four did not become a full-blown crisis. The 34-year-old has become a serious Test match player nowadays.

Australia did leave some runs out there, however. Absent was that pronounced bounce of the opening matches and in its place only a fraction of nibble when the right area was located.

The pitch also offered a bit of grip for off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-time spinner – hence figures of 2/105 from his 20 overs – and the balls he did get to turn sharply will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Backdrop and Late Team Change.

The day's play was inevitably a poignant day for Australia, coming so shortly in the wake of the horrific tragic incident at Bondi. The minute’s silence prior to the start of play was immaculately held, broken only by folk singer a rendition delivering a stirring rendition of the anthem True Blue.

Earlier, the hosts had also been forced into a change to their stated starting eleven. Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting dizziness along with nausea in the morning – seemingly return of a vertigo issue that has periodically troubled the star batter since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his Test career may be finished. Until Carey's heroics, Khawaja had expertly held the innings together, coming to the crease at 33 for two and finessing 82 off 126 deliveries just a day from turning 39. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Alex Carey proved crucial.

England's Frustration Persists.

Archer aside, and despite the sapping heat, it remained still another frustrating day from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse rather continued his form from the series, finishing with figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 from 15 overs.

Carse looked all over the shop when tasked with sharing the new ball first thing, no-balling five times yet removing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a sublime one-handed catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather summed up the day for both teams: moments of brilliance interspersed with some error-prone cricket.