Alex Carey's Brilliant Hundred Assists The Baggy Greens Recover After Early England Ashes Charge.

In the wake of the pandemonium of the Perth Test and the Gabba's day-night spectacle, a more traditional style of red-ball cricket returned at Adelaide Oval. For the South Australian fans, the day proved one to cherish, as their boy Alex Carey produced a sparkling hundred at his home venue as Australia the home side just shade day one.

Not that England, 2-0 down and clinging on in the series, were too disheartened. Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like an ominous coin toss and, though far from at their best, the English attack kept persevering under sweltering conditions. By the close of play, the Australians were 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – runs on the board yet likely below initial ambitions when Pat Cummins won the choice first thing.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Resistance.

The standout for the tourists proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 off 16 overs were a powerful riposte against some of criticism directed at him this past week. On this day he visibly led the bowling unit, averaging around 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun while providing Stokes both accuracy together with clear menace. It was only towards the very end of the day – during a single over with the fresh cherry – did he look a bit jaded.

Having dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's initial over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. Green's golden duck served as a reminder that this sport can bring a player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip to mid-wicket occurring barely 24 hours following securing a massive multi-million dollar contract for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

Carey's Priceless Contribution Rescues The Innings.

Carey's performance, in contrast, was simply invaluable, culminating around 4.48pm as he drove Stokes through the covers for three and the Adelaide faithful rose with a roar. Coming off that masterful outing with the gloves at the Gabba, his aggressive 106 off 143 balls ensured that a mid-innings stumble to 94/4 did not become a complete crisis. The 34-year-old is a serious Test match player nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left some potential runs out there, however. Absent was the pronounced pace and bounce from the opening matches and in its place just a hint of seam movement if the right area was hit.

There was also some grip to Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-time spinner – resulting in expensive figures of two for 105 from 20 overs – and the balls he did get to misbehave will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop with A Late Switch.

The day's play was inevitably a poignant occasion for Australia, coming so shortly in the wake of a devastating tragic incident in Bondi. A minute's silence prior to the first ball was immaculately held, broken only by musician John Williams performing a stirring version of the anthem True Blue.

By this stage, Australia had also been forced into an alteration to their stated XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn due to dizziness along with sickness in the morning – seemingly return of the vertigo which has periodically affected him since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his Test career may be over. Until Carey's arrival, the left-hander had held the Australian innings together, walking out with the score on 33/2 and finessing a fine 82 off 126 balls a day out before turning 39. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Alex Carey proved significant.

The Tourist's Frustration Continues.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, this was still another frustrating day from England’s attack. Brydon Carse rather continued his inconsistent form of the first two Tests, finishing with figures of 2/70 from his 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 from 15 overs.

Carse was erratic when handed sharing the duty of the new cherry early on, no-balling five times yet removing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a sublime one-handed catch from Zak Crawley at cover. It rather summed up the day for both sides: brilliance interspersed with periods of sloppy play.