Australia's Alex Carey's Brilliant Century Helps The Baggy Greens Bounce Back After An Early English Test Series Assault.

After the pandemonium from Perth and Brisbane's day-night spectacle, a more traditional brand regarding the longest format was witnessed at Adelaide Oval. For the South Australian fans, it was one to cherish, as homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman delivered a sparkling century on his home ground as Australia Australia edge the first day's play.

However, England, 2-0 down while clinging on in this contest, were too disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a crucial toss and, though far from at their best, the English attack kept toiling in scorching heat. By the close of play, the Australians had reached 326 for eight from 83 overs – runs on the board but surely below their expectations after Pat Cummins got the choice first thing.

The Pace of Archer Leads The Tourist's Effort.

The standout for England proved to be Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 off his 16 overs were a powerful riposte against the criticism directed at him his way. On this day he clearly spearheaded the attack, clocking 88mph (142kph) with the speed gun and offering Stokes a combination of accuracy together with clear menace. It was only towards the end of the day – during a single over with the fresh cherry – that he appeared somewhat jaded.

Having dismissed opener Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's first over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. The all-rounder's duck was a reminder that cricket can bring even a celebrated player back to reality, his weak chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder arriving less than 24 hours after securing a record multi-million dollar deal in the IPL.

The Keeper's Priceless Contribution Rescues The Ship.

Alex Carey's day, in contrast, was simply priceless, peaking around 4.48pm when he drove Stokes through cover for three which prompted the crowd to rise with a roar. Fresh from his masterful outing behind the stumps in Brisbane, his aggressive 106 off 143 balls ensured that the post-lunch wobble to 94 for four did not become a complete crisis. The 34-year-old is a genuinely cricketer nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup did leave a few runs out there, however. Gone was the excessive pace and bounce of the first two Tests and in its place only a fraction of seam movement if the right area was hit.

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

Emotional Backdrop with Late Switch.

This was always going to be an emotional day for Australia, coming so soon in the wake of the horrific tragic incident at Bondi. The minute’s silence prior to the first ball was immaculately held, broken only by folk singer John Williams performing a stirring version of True Blue.

By this stage, Australia had also been compelled to make a change to their stated starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out due to feeling dizzy along with nausea in the morning – seemingly return of a vertigo issue which has intermittently troubled him ever since being felled by Archer at Lord's years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his international career could be finished. Before Carey's arrival, the left-hander had expertly held the innings together, coming to the crease at 33 for two before finessing 82 from 126 deliveries just a day before turning 39. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Alex Carey proved crucial.

The Tourist's Frustration Continues.

Archer aside, and notwithstanding the sapping conditions, this was still another disappointing day from the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his form of the first two Tests, finishing with figures of 2/70 off 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue picked up 1/63 in 15 overs.

Carse was all over the shop when tasked with sharing the new cherry early on, overstepping five times yet removing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a sublime catch from Zak Crawley at cover. It rather summed up the day for both teams: brilliance interspersed with some sloppy play.