Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Aids The Hosts Recover From A Swift England Test Series Charge.

Following the frenzy of Perth and the Gabba's day-night spectacle, a more traditional style regarding the longest format broke out on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the delighted South Australian fans, the day proved one to cherish, as local hero Alex Carey delivered a magnificent century at his home venue to help Australia just shade the opening day.

Not that England, 2-0 down while still fighting in the series, were too downbeat. Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like an ominous coin toss and, though not perfect, the English attack continued toiling under 35c conditions. At stumps, the Australians had reached 326 for eight off 83 overs – a total on the board yet likely short of their expectations when Pat Cummins won the toss in the morning.

Jofra Archer Leads England's Resistance.

The most impressive performer among the tourists was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 off 16 overs were a powerful riposte to the criticism directed at him this past week. On this day he visibly spearheaded the attack, averaging around 88mph (142kmh) on the speed gun while providing Stokes a combination of control together with obvious threat. Only at the end of the day – during a single over with the fresh cherry – that he appeared somewhat jaded.

After dismissed opener Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's first over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three balls. The all-rounder's golden duck served as a stark reminder that this sport can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, his weak chip to the mid-wicket fielder arriving less than a day after trousering a massive multi-million dollar contract in the IPL.

Carey's Priceless Contribution Steadies The Innings.

Carey's performance, however, was simply invaluable, peaking at 4.48pm as he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through cover for three and the Adelaide faithful rose with a roar. Coming off his virtuoso outing with the gloves at the Gabba, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 off 143 deliveries made sure that the mid-innings stumble to 94/4 failed to develop into a complete collapse. At 34, Carey is a genuinely cricketer these days.

The Australian batting lineup did leave some potential runs out there, though. Gone was that pronounced bounce from the opening matches and in its place just a hint of nibble if a good length was located.

There was also a bit of turn to Will Jacks, although his control was typical of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of two for 105 from 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to misbehave will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Context with Late Switch.

The day's play was always going to be a poignant day for Australia, arriving so soon after a devastating terrorist attack at Bondi. The minute’s silence observed prior to the first ball was perfectly observed, followed by musician John Williams performing a stirring version of the anthem True Blue.

Earlier, the hosts had also been forced into an alteration from their announced starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting dizziness and sickness first thing – seemingly return of a vertigo issue which has intermittently affected the star batter ever since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his international career could be finished. Before Carey's heroics, Khawaja had expertly held the Australian innings steady, walking out with the score on 33 for two before crafting 82 from 126 balls just a day from turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Labuschagne and 91 with Carey proved crucial.

The Tourist's Frustration Persists.

Archer aside, and notwithstanding the energy-sapping conditions, this was yet another frustrating outing for England’s attack. Brydon Carse rather continued his form from the first two Tests, picking up two for 70 from 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 in 15 overs.

Carse looked all over the shop when handed sharing the new ball first thing, no-balling five times yet dismissing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley at cover. It rather summed up the day's play for both sides: moments of brilliance mixed with periods of error-prone play.