Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Stunning Hundred Assists The Hosts Bounce Back After An Early England Test Series Onslaught.

After the frenzy from Perth as well as Brisbane's day-night palooza, an outbreak of familiar style regarding red-ball cricket returned on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the delighted locals, it was one to enjoy, with their boy Alex Carey produced a sparkling century on his home ground as Australia Australia just shade the opening day.

However, England, trailing 2-0 while clinging on in this contest, were too disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like an ominous toss and, despite being not at their best, his bowlers continued plugging away under scorching heat. By the close of play, the Australians had reached 326-8 from 83 overs – a total on the board but surely below their expectations when captain Pat Cummins got the toss first thing.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Fightback.

The most impressive performer for England proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 off 16 overs were a powerful riposte against the scrutiny that came his way. Here he visibly spearheaded the attack, clocking 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer and offering his captain a combination of accuracy and obvious threat. Only at the end of play – one over using the fresh cherry – that he appeared somewhat weary.

Having bounced out opener Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three balls. The all-rounder's duck served as a stark reminder that cricket can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back to reality, coming from tepid chip shot to mid-wicket arriving less than 24 hours after securing a record multi-million dollar deal in the Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Priceless Contribution Rescues The Ship.

Carey's day, in contrast, was simply invaluable, peaking around late afternoon when he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through cover for three runs which prompted the crowd rose with a roar. Coming off his masterful display behind the stumps in Brisbane, the left-hander's aggressive 106 runs from 143 deliveries made sure that a post-lunch wobble of 94/4 did not become a complete collapse. The 34-year-old has become a genuinely cricketer these days.

Australia undoubtedly left some runs on the field, however. Absent was that pronounced pace and bounce from the opening matches replaced by only a fraction of seam movement if the right area was located.

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

Solemn Backdrop and A Late Switch.

This was always going to be an emotional occasion for Australia, coming so shortly after a devastating tragic incident at Bondi. A minute's silence observed before the first ball was perfectly observed, broken only by folk singer John Williams performing an emotional version of the anthem True Blue.

Earlier, Australia had also been compelled to make a change from their stated XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out after reporting dizziness and sickness in the morning – seemingly return of a vertigo issue that has periodically troubled the star batter ever since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his international career could be over. Until Carey's heroics, the left-hander had held the innings steady, walking out with the score on 33/2 and finessing 82 off 126 balls a day out from turning 39. Stands of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 runs with Alex Carey were crucial.

The Tourist's Frustration Persists.

Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping heat, it remained still another disappointing outing for the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat continued his form of the series, finishing with figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked all over the shop when handed sharing the new cherry first thing, no-balling five times yet removing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a sublime one-handed catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment encapsulated the day's play for both teams: brilliance mixed with some error-prone play.