Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Brilliant Century Assists The Hosts Regroup After An Early England Ashes Assault.

Following the chaos from the Perth Test and the Gabba's pink-ball spectacle, a more familiar brand of Test cricket broke out on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the locals, the day proved one to enjoy, with local hero Alex Carey notched up an outstanding hundred at his home turf as Australia the home side just shade day one.

Not that England, trailing 2-0 while clinging on in the series, could be entirely disappointed. Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like a significant toss and, though far from perfect, his bowlers continued toiling under 35c heat. By the close of play, the Australians were 326 for eight off 83 overs bowled – a total on the board yet likely below their ambitions when captain Pat Cummins got the choice in the morning.

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

The most impressive performer among England proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 off his 16 overs constituted a powerful answer against the criticism that came this past week. On this day he visibly led the attack, clocking 88mph (142kmh) with the speedometer while providing Stokes both accuracy and obvious menace. Only at the end of play – during a single over with the second new ball – that he appeared somewhat weary.

After dismissed Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's first over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three balls. Green's golden duck served as a reminder that this sport can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip to mid-wicket occurring less than 24 hours following securing a massive multi-million dollar deal in the IPL.

Carey's Priceless Contribution Rescues The Innings.

Alex Carey's day, in contrast, was simply priceless, culminating at late afternoon when he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through cover for three runs and the Adelaide faithful rose with a roar. Coming off that masterful display behind the stumps at the Gabba, the left-hander's aggressive 106 runs off 143 balls ensured that a mid-innings stumble to 94 for four failed to develop into a complete crisis. The 34-year-old is a genuinely Test match player nowadays.

Australia undoubtedly left a few potential runs out there, however. Gone was the pronounced pace and bounce from the first two Tests and in its place only a fraction 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 2/105 off 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to turn sharply will encourage Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop and A Late Switch.

This was inevitably an emotional day for Australia, arriving so soon in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi. The minute’s silence before the first ball was immaculately held, followed by folk singer John Williams performing a stirring rendition of the anthem True Blue.

By this stage, the hosts had also been compelled to make a change from their announced starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting feeling dizzy and sickness first thing – an apparent recurrence of the vertigo that has periodically troubled the star batter since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his international career may be over. Before Carey's arrival, Khawaja had expertly held the innings steady, coming to the crease at 33 for two before finessing a fine 82 from 126 balls just a day before turning 39. Stands of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 with Alex Carey proved significant.

England's Frustration Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the sapping conditions, this was still another disappointing day from England’s attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his form from the series, picking up two for 70 off 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 from 15 overs.

The Durham bowler was all over the shop when handed sharing the new ball first thing, overstepping on five occasions yet dismissing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment encapsulated the day's play for both teams: moments of brilliance interspersed with some error-prone cricket.