Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Assists The Hosts Bounce Back From An Early English Test Series Assault.

Following the chaos from Perth as well as the Gabba's day-night palooza, a more traditional brand of Test cricket broke out on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the locals, the day proved a day to cherish, with local hero Alex Carey delivered a sparkling hundred on his home turf as Australia the home side edge day one.

However, England, trailing 2-0 and clinging on in this series, were too disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like an ominous toss and, though not at their best, his bowlers continued plugging away in 35c conditions. At stumps, Australia had reached 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – runs on the board but surely below initial ambitions when Pat Cummins won the toss first thing.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Resistance.

The standout for England proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 from 16 overs were a powerful response against some of criticism directed at him this past week. On this day he visibly led the bowling unit, averaging 88mph (142kmh) on the speed gun while providing Stokes both accuracy and clear threat. It was only towards the very end of play – during a single over with the second new ball – that he appeared somewhat jaded.

Having bounced out Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's first over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. The all-rounder's golden duck was a stark reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip to mid-wicket arriving less than 24 hours after securing a massive multi-million dollar contract in the Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Priceless Innings Steadies The Ship.

Carey's performance, in contrast, was nothing short of invaluable, culminating at 4.48pm when he elegantly drove Stokes through cover for three and the crowd rose with a roar. Fresh from that virtuoso display behind the stumps at the Gabba, his aggressive 106 from 143 deliveries ensured that a post-lunch wobble to 94/4 did not become a full-blown collapse. At 34, Carey is a serious cricketer nowadays.

Australia did leave some runs out there, though. Absent was that pronounced bounce of the opening matches and in its place only a fraction of nibble if the right area was hit.

The pitch also offered some grip to off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-time spinner – hence figures of 2/105 off his 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to turn sharply will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Backdrop with Late Team Change.

The day's play was always going to be a poignant occasion for Australia, coming so soon after a devastating tragic incident in Bondi. A minute's silence before the first ball was immaculately observed, followed by folk singer John Williams performing an emotional version of the anthem 'True Blue'.

Earlier, the hosts were also compelled to make a change from their announced starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting dizziness along with sickness first thing – seemingly recurrence of the vertigo that has intermittently affected the star batter since being felled by Archer at Lord's six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his international career could be finished. Before the wicketkeeper's heroics, Khawaja had expertly held the Australian innings steady, coming to the crease at 33 for two before finessing 82 off 126 deliveries just a day before turning 39. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Alex Carey were crucial.

England's Frustration Continues.

Archer aside, and despite the sapping heat, it remained still another disappointing day from the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather continued his inconsistent form of the series, finishing with figures of 2/70 from his 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 from 15 overs.

Carse was erratic when tasked with sharing the new cherry first thing, no-balling five times but still removing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a spectacular one-handed catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day's play for both teams: brilliance mixed with some error-prone play.