Alex Carey's Brilliant Hundred Aids Australia Recover After An Early English Ashes Onslaught.

In the wake of that pandemonium from the Perth Test and Brisbane's pink-ball palooza, a more traditional brand regarding red-ball cricket returned at Adelaide Oval. For the locals, the day proved a day to enjoy, as local hero Alex Carey produced a magnificent hundred at his home ground to help the home side just shade the first day's play.

Not that The touring English side, trailing 2-0 and still fighting in the contest, could be entirely downbeat. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a crucial coin toss and, though far from perfect, the English attack continued persevering under 35c conditions. At stumps, Australia had reached 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – a total on the board but surely short of initial ambitions when Pat Cummins won the toss in the morning.

Jofra Archer Leads The Tourist's Effort.

The most impressive performer for England was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 off 16 overs constituted a strong response to the criticism that came this past week. Here he clearly led the bowling unit, clocking 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer and offering Stokes a combination of control together with clear threat. It was only towards the end of play – during a single over using the second new ball – that he appeared somewhat jaded.

Having dismissed opener Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's initial over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three deliveries. The all-rounder's golden duck was a stark reminder of how cricket can bring a player back down to earth, his tepid chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder occurring less than 24 hours after trousering a massive multi-million dollar deal for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Invaluable Contribution Steadies The Ship.

Carey's day, in contrast, was simply invaluable, peaking around late afternoon as he drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three runs and the Adelaide faithful to rise in a huge roar. Fresh from that masterful display with the gloves at the Gabba, his aggressive 106 off 143 balls ensured that a mid-innings stumble to 94 for four did not become a full-blown crisis. At 34, Carey has become a serious cricketer these days.

The Australian batting lineup did leave some runs out there, however. Absent was the pronounced bounce of the first two Tests and in its place only a fraction of seam movement when a good length was hit.

There was also some grip to Will Jacks, although his consistency was that of a part-timer – resulting in figures of 2/105 from 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to turn sharply will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Backdrop and Late Team Change.

The day's play was always going to be an emotional day for Australia, coming so soon in the wake of the horrific tragic incident in Bondi. The minute’s silence prior to the start of play was immaculately held, followed by folk singer a rendition delivering an emotional version of True Blue.

By this stage, Australia were also compelled to make an alteration to their announced starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out due to feeling dizzy along with nausea in the morning – seemingly recurrence of the vertigo that has intermittently troubled him 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 may be over. Until the wicketkeeper's heroics, the left-hander had expertly held the Australian innings together, walking out with the score on 33/2 and crafting 82 from 126 balls a day out from turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Carey proved significant.

The Tourist's Mixed Bag Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the energy-sapping heat, it remained still another disappointing day for the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his inconsistent form from the series, finishing with figures of 2/70 from his 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 from 15 overs.

Carse looked all over the shop when handed sharing the new ball early on, overstepping on five occasions but still removing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a spectacular one-handed catch from Zak Crawley at cover. It rather encapsulated the day for both teams: moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of sloppy cricket.