Australia's Alex Carey's Brilliant Hundred Aids Australia Regroup From Early English Ashes Charge.

In the wake of the frenzy of the Perth Test as well as the Gabba's day-night palooza, a more familiar style of Test cricket broke out on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the South Australian fans, it was one to cherish, with homegrown talent Alex Carey delivered a sparkling century at his home venue to help Australia just shade day one.

Not that England, trailing 2-0 and clinging on in the series, could be entirely disappointed. Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a crucial toss and, though far from at their best, the English attack continued persevering under 35c conditions. By the close of play, the Australians had reached 326-8 off 83 overs – runs on the board but surely below their expectations when Pat Cummins won the toss in the morning.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Effort.

The most impressive performer for England was Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 off his 16 overs were a strong answer against the scrutiny directed at him this past week. On this day he clearly spearheaded the attack, clocking 88mph (142kph) with the speedometer while providing his captain a combination of control together with obvious threat. Only at the very end of the day – one over using the second new ball – did he look somewhat weary.

After dismissed Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three balls. Green's golden duck served as a reminder that cricket can bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, coming from weak chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder occurring barely 24 hours after trousering a massive £1.5m deal in the IPL.

Carey's Priceless Contribution Rescues The Innings.

Alex Carey's performance, however, was simply invaluable, peaking at 4.48pm as he elegantly drove Stokes through the covers for three and the Adelaide faithful rose in a huge roar. Fresh from that virtuoso outing with the gloves in Brisbane, his aggressive 106 runs off 143 deliveries ensured that the mid-innings stumble of 94/4 failed to develop into a complete collapse. At 34, Carey is a genuinely cricketer nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left a few runs out there, however. Gone was that pronounced pace and bounce of the opening matches replaced by only a fraction of seam movement when a good length was hit.

The pitch also offered a bit of grip for Will Jacks, although his control was that of a part-time spinner – hence figures of 2/105 off his 20 overs – and the balls that did to turn sharply will encourage Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context and Late Team Change.

This was always going to be an emotional day for Australia, arriving so shortly after a devastating terrorist attack in Bondi. The minute’s silence prior to the first ball was immaculately held, followed by folk singer a rendition performing an emotional version of True Blue.

Earlier, Australia had also been compelled to make a change to their announced XI. Steve Smith pulled out after reporting feeling dizzy along with sickness in the morning – seemingly recurrence of a vertigo issue that has intermittently affected the star batter ever since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his Test career may be over. Until Carey's heroics, the left-hander had expertly held the innings steady, coming to the crease at 33 for two and finessing 82 from 126 deliveries just a day from turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 with Alex Carey proved crucial.

The Tourist's Mixed Bag Continues.

Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping heat, this was yet another frustrating day for the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat continued his inconsistent form from the first two Tests, finishing with two for 70 off 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked erratic when handed sharing the new ball early on, overstepping five times yet dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a sublime catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day for both teams: brilliance mixed with periods of error-prone play.