Australia's Alex Carey's Brilliant Hundred Aids The Hosts Regroup After An Early English Test Series Onslaught.

Following the pandemonium of Perth as well as the Gabba's pink-ball spectacle, a more familiar brand regarding red-ball cricket returned on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the delighted locals, it was one to enjoy, with homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman delivered a sparkling hundred on his home turf to help Australia just shade the first day's play.

Not that The touring English side, 2-0 down while still fighting in the series, could be too disappointed. Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a significant coin toss and, though far from at their best, the English attack continued persevering in scorching heat. By the close of play, the Australians had reached 326 for eight off 83 overs – a total on the board but surely short of initial ambitions after Pat Cummins won the choice in the morning.

The Pace of Archer Leads England's Effort.

The standout for England was speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 off his 16 overs were a strong answer to the criticism directed at him this past week. Here he visibly led the bowling unit, averaging 88mph (142kph) with the speed gun and offering his captain both accuracy together with obvious menace. It was only towards the end of play – during a single over with the second new ball – that he appeared a bit weary.

Having dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's initial over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three balls. The all-rounder's golden duck served as a reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, his tepid chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder arriving less than a day after securing a massive multi-million dollar contract in the Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Priceless Contribution Rescues The Ship.

Alex Carey's performance, however, was simply invaluable, culminating around 4.48pm as he drove Stokes through the covers for three and the Adelaide faithful rose in a huge roar. Coming off his masterful outing with the gloves at the Gabba, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 off 143 deliveries ensured that the mid-innings stumble of 94/4 failed to develop into a complete crisis. The 34-year-old has become a serious cricketer these days.

Australia did leave a few potential runs on the field, though. Gone was the excessive pace and bounce from the first two Tests replaced by only a fraction of nibble when the right area was hit.

There was also a bit of turn for Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-timer – resulting in figures of two for 105 from 20 overs – and the balls he did get to turn sharply will encourage Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Context and A Late Team Change.

The day's play was always going to be an emotional occasion for the host nation, coming so soon after a devastating tragic incident at Bondi. A minute's silence observed prior to the start of play was perfectly held, followed by musician John Williams performing an emotional rendition of 'True Blue'.

By this stage, Australia had also been forced into a change to their stated starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out after reporting feeling dizzy and nausea in the morning – seemingly recurrence of a vertigo issue which has intermittently troubled him ever since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his international career could be finished. Before Carey's heroics, the left-hander had expertly held the innings together, walking out at 33/2 and finessing a fine 82 off 126 deliveries just a day before turning 39. Stands of 61 with Labuschagne and 91 with Carey proved crucial.

England's Mixed Bag Persists.

Archer aside, and notwithstanding the sapping conditions, it remained yet another frustrating day from England’s attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his inconsistent form from the first two Tests, picking up figures of 2/70 from 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 from 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked erratic when tasked with sharing the new ball early on, overstepping on five occasions yet dismissing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a spectacular one-handed catch by Zak Crawley at cover. This moment summed up the day for both sides: moments of brilliance mixed with some error-prone play.