Alex Carey's Sparkling Hundred Aids The Hosts Bounce Back After An Early England Test Series Onslaught.

After the pandemonium of the Perth Test and Brisbane's pink-ball palooza, a more familiar style regarding the longest format broke out on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the delighted home crowd, the day proved one to savour, as local hero Alex Carey notched up a sparkling century at his home ground as Australia the home side edge the first day's play.

Not that England, trailing 2-0 and still fighting in this contest, were entirely disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a significant toss and, despite being far from perfect, his bowlers continued plugging away under sweltering conditions. By the close of play, Australia were 326 for eight off 83 overs bowled – runs on the board yet likely below their expectations after Pat Cummins got the toss first thing.

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

The most impressive performer for the tourists was Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 from 16 overs were a strong response to some of scrutiny that came his way. Here he visibly led the bowling unit, averaging 88mph (142kph) on the speed gun while providing his captain both accuracy and clear menace. Only at the very end of play – one over using the fresh cherry – that he appeared somewhat weary.

After bounced out opener Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's first over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three balls. The all-rounder's duck served as a reminder that cricket can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip to the mid-wicket fielder arriving barely a day following trousering a massive £1.5m deal for the upcoming IPL.

Carey's Priceless Contribution Steadies The Innings.

Alex Carey's performance, however, was simply invaluable, peaking around 4.48pm as he drove Ben Stokes through cover for three and the Adelaide faithful rose with a roar. Fresh from that masterful outing with the gloves at the Gabba, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 runs from 143 balls ensured that the mid-innings stumble to 94/4 failed to develop into a full-blown crisis. The 34-year-old has become a serious Test match player these days.

Australia undoubtedly left some potential runs on the field, however. Absent was the pronounced bounce of the opening matches replaced by just a hint of seam movement when the right area was located.

There was also some turn for off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his consistency was typical of a part-timer – hence figures of two for 105 from his 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to misbehave will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Context with A Late Switch.

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

Earlier, Australia were also forced into a change from their stated XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out after reporting dizziness and nausea first thing – an apparent recurrence of the vertigo that has periodically troubled him since being felled by Archer at Lord’s six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his Test career could be over. Until Carey's arrival, the left-hander had expertly held the Australian innings steady, walking out at 33 for two before finessing 82 from 126 deliveries a day out before his 39th birthday. Stands worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 runs with Alex Carey proved significant.

The Tourist's Frustration Continues.

Archer aside, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, it remained still another frustrating day from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his inconsistent form from the series, picking up figures of 2/70 from 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler was all over the shop when handed sharing the duty of the new ball early on, no-balling five times yet removing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a sublime catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment encapsulated the day for both teams: moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of sloppy cricket.