Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Assists The Hosts Recover From A Swift English Test Series Assault.

Following the frenzy from the Perth Test as well as Brisbane's pink-ball palooza, a more traditional style regarding red-ball cricket returned on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the South Australian fans, the day proved one to enjoy, as homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman delivered an outstanding century at his home ground to help Australia just shade day one.

However, England, 2-0 down while clinging on in this series, could be entirely disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared an ominous toss and, though far from at their best, his bowlers kept persevering under 35c heat. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326-8 off 83 overs – runs on the board yet likely short of their expectations after Pat Cummins got the toss first thing.

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

The standout for England was speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 off his 16 overs were a strong response against some of scrutiny directed at him his way. On this day he clearly spearheaded the bowling unit, clocking around 88mph (142kph) with the speedometer and offering Stokes both accuracy together with obvious threat. Only at the very end of play – during a single over using the fresh cherry – did he look a bit jaded.

After dismissed opener Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's first over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three balls. The all-rounder's duck served as a reminder that this sport can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back to reality, coming from tepid chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder arriving less than 24 hours following trousering a record £1.5m contract for the upcoming IPL.

The Keeper's Invaluable Innings Rescues The Innings.

Alex Carey's day, in contrast, was nothing short of invaluable, peaking at late afternoon as he elegantly drove Stokes through the covers for three runs and the Adelaide faithful to rise with a roar. Fresh from his virtuoso display behind the stumps at the Gabba, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 runs off 143 balls ensured that the post-lunch wobble to 94 for four failed to develop into a full-blown collapse. The 34-year-old is a genuinely cricketer nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left some potential runs on the field, however. Gone was that excessive bounce from the first two Tests and in its place only a fraction of nibble when a good length was hit.

The pitch also offered a bit of grip to Will Jacks, although his consistency was that of a part-timer – hence expensive figures of 2/105 off 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to turn sharply will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Context and Late Team Change.

The day's play was inevitably a poignant day for Australia, coming so shortly after the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi. A minute's silence observed prior to the first ball was immaculately observed, followed by musician John Williams performing an emotional version of 'True Blue'.

By this stage, the hosts had also been compelled to make an alteration from their stated XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out after reporting dizziness and sickness first thing – an apparent recurrence of the vertigo that has intermittently affected the star batter since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his Test career could be finished. Before Carey's arrival, the left-hander had expertly held the Australian innings steady, walking out at 33 for two and crafting a fine 82 from 126 deliveries just a day from turning 39. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Alex Carey were crucial.

England's Frustration Persists.

Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping heat, this was still another disappointing day from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse rather rolled over his form of the first two Tests, finishing with two for 70 off 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 from 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked all over the shop when handed sharing the duty of the new cherry early on, no-balling five times but still removing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a sublime catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day for both teams: brilliance mixed with periods of sloppy play.