Alex Carey's Stunning Century Assists The Baggy Greens Regroup After An Early English Test Series Assault.

In the wake of the chaos from Perth as well as Brisbane's pink-ball spectacle, an outbreak of traditional style regarding Test cricket was witnessed at the Adelaide ground. For the South Australian fans, the day proved one to enjoy, as their boy Alex Carey produced an outstanding hundred on his home ground as Australia the home side just shade the opening day.

However, England, 2-0 down while still fighting in this contest, could be entirely disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a significant toss and, despite being far from perfect, his bowlers kept toiling in 35c conditions. At stumps, Australia were 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – runs on the board yet likely below their ambitions after Pat Cummins got the toss first thing.

Jofra Archer Leads England's Resistance.

The most impressive performer among England was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 off his 16 overs were a strong answer against some of scrutiny directed at him this past week. Here he visibly led the bowling unit, averaging around 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer while providing Stokes a combination of control and clear threat. It was only towards the very end of the day – one over using the second new ball – did he look somewhat jaded.

Having dismissed Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. The all-rounder's duck was a reminder that cricket can bring a player back down to earth, coming from weak chip to the mid-wicket fielder arriving barely a day following trousering a record multi-million dollar deal for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Priceless Innings Rescues The Innings.

Alex Carey's performance, in contrast, was nothing short of invaluable, peaking at late afternoon as he elegantly drove Stokes through the covers for three and the Adelaide faithful rose in a huge roar. Fresh from that masterful display with the gloves at the Gabba, his counterattacking 106 runs from 143 deliveries made sure that a mid-innings stumble to 94/4 failed to develop into a complete crisis. At 34, Carey has become a serious cricketer these days.

Australia undoubtedly left a few runs out there, though. Absent was that pronounced pace and bounce from the first two Tests replaced by just a hint of nibble if a good length was located.

There was also a bit of turn for off-spinner Will Jacks, although his consistency was that of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of 2/105 off his 20 overs – and the balls that did to turn sharply will encourage Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Backdrop and Late Team Change.

This was always going to be a poignant day for Australia, coming so soon in the wake of a devastating tragic incident in Bondi. A minute's silence observed prior to the first ball was immaculately held, broken only by folk singer a rendition performing an emotional version of the anthem True Blue.

Earlier, the hosts had also been compelled to make an alteration to their announced XI. Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting feeling dizzy along with nausea first thing – seemingly recurrence of the vertigo that has intermittently affected him since he was struck by Archer at Lord's six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his Test career could be over. Before the wicketkeeper's heroics, the left-hander had held the innings together, walking out at 33/2 before finessing a fine 82 off 126 balls a day out before turning 39. Stands worth 61 runs with Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Carey proved significant.

England's Frustration Continues.

Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping conditions, it remained still another frustrating outing from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse rather continued his form from the series, finishing with two for 70 from 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 in 15 overs.

Carse was erratic when handed sharing the new ball first thing, no-balling on five occasions but still dismissing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a sublime catch from Zak Crawley at cover. It rather encapsulated the day for both teams: moments of brilliance interspersed with some error-prone cricket.