Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Sparkling Century Assists The Hosts Bounce Back From Early England Test Series Charge.

After the chaos of the Perth Test and Brisbane's pink-ball palooza, an outbreak of traditional style regarding the longest format returned on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the locals, the day proved a day to cherish, as homegrown talent Alex Carey notched up a sparkling century at his home turf to help Australia edge day one.

Not that England, trailing 2-0 and still fighting in the series, could be too disappointed. Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like an ominous toss and, though far from at their best, the English attack kept persevering in sweltering heat. By the close of play, Australia were 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – a total on the board but surely below their expectations after Pat Cummins won the choice first thing.

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

The standout for England proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 off his 16 overs constituted a powerful riposte against some of criticism that came his way. On this day he visibly led the attack, clocking around 88mph (142kmh) with the speedometer while providing Stokes both control together with clear threat. Only at the end of the day – during a single over with the fresh cherry – that he appeared a bit weary.

After dismissed opener Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's initial over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three balls. Green's golden duck served as a stark reminder of how this sport can bring a player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip to the mid-wicket fielder occurring less than a day after trousering a record £1.5m deal for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

Carey's Invaluable Contribution Steadies The Innings.

Carey's day, in contrast, was simply priceless, peaking at 4.48pm as he drove Stokes through cover for three and the Adelaide faithful to rise in a huge roar. Coming off that virtuoso display behind the stumps at the Gabba, the left-hander's aggressive 106 off 143 deliveries ensured that a mid-innings stumble of 94 for four failed to develop into a complete collapse. At 34, Carey has become a genuinely Test match player these days.

Australia did leave a few runs out there, however. Absent was the excessive pace and bounce of the first two Tests and in its place only a fraction of nibble if a good length was hit.

The pitch also offered a bit of turn for off-spinner Will Jacks, although his control was typical of a part-time spinner – hence expensive figures of 2/105 from his 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to turn sharply will encourage Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Context with A Late Team Change.

The day's play was inevitably an emotional occasion for the host nation, coming so shortly after a devastating terrorist attack at Bondi. The minute’s silence prior to the first ball was immaculately observed, followed by folk singer a rendition delivering a stirring rendition of the anthem 'True Blue'.

By this stage, Australia were also compelled to make a change to their announced starting eleven. Steve Smith pulled out due to feeling dizzy and nausea first thing – an apparent return of the vertigo that has periodically affected him ever since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his Test career could be over. Until Carey's arrival, Khawaja had expertly held the innings together, coming to the crease with the score on 33/2 before finessing a fine 82 from 126 balls just a day from turning 39. Stands of 61 with Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Carey proved crucial.

England's Mixed Bag Persists.

Archer aside, and notwithstanding the sapping conditions, this was yet another frustrating outing from England’s attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his form from the first two Tests, finishing with figures of 2/70 from 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 in 15 overs.

Carse looked erratic when handed sharing the duty of the new ball first thing, overstepping five times but still dismissing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a spectacular one-handed catch by Zak Crawley at cover. It rather summed up the day's play for both teams: brilliance interspersed with periods of error-prone play.