Australia's Alex Carey's Brilliant Century Assists Australia Regroup From A Swift English Test Series Assault.

Following that frenzy from the Perth Test as well as Brisbane's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of familiar style of Test cricket was witnessed on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the locals, it was one to savour, as homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman produced an outstanding hundred on his home venue to help Australia edge the opening day.

Not that England, trailing 2-0 and clinging on in the contest, could be entirely disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what appeared an ominous toss and, though far from at their best, his bowlers continued persevering in 35c heat. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326-8 off 83 overs – runs on the board yet likely below their ambitions when Pat Cummins got the toss in the morning.

Jofra Archer Leads England's Effort.

The most impressive performer among the tourists was speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 from 16 overs constituted a powerful response against the criticism directed at him his way. Here he clearly led the bowling unit, clocking 88mph (142kph) with the speed gun while providing Stokes a combination of control together with clear menace. Only at the very end of play – during a single over using the second new ball – that he appeared a bit weary.

After bounced out opener Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's first over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. The all-rounder's duck was a reminder that this sport can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, coming from weak chip shot to mid-wicket arriving less than 24 hours following trousering a record multi-million dollar contract for the upcoming IPL.

The Keeper's Priceless Innings Steadies The Innings.

Carey's day, however, was simply invaluable, peaking at late afternoon as he drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three which prompted the Adelaide faithful to rise with a roar. Fresh from that virtuoso outing with the gloves in Brisbane, his counterattacking 106 runs off 143 balls made sure that the post-lunch wobble of 94 for four did not become a complete collapse. The 34-year-old has become a serious Test match player these days.

Australia did leave a few runs out there, however. Absent was that excessive pace and bounce from the opening matches and in its place only a fraction of seam movement when a good length was hit.

The pitch also offered some grip to Will Jacks, even if his consistency was that of a part-timer – hence expensive figures of two for 105 from 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to misbehave will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context and A Late Team Change.

The day's play was always going to be a poignant day for the host nation, coming so soon after the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi. A minute's silence observed before the first ball was perfectly observed, followed by folk singer John Williams delivering an emotional version of 'True Blue'.

Earlier, the hosts were also compelled to make an alteration from their announced starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out after reporting dizziness and nausea first thing – seemingly recurrence of the vertigo that has intermittently troubled him since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his international career could be over. Before the wicketkeeper's heroics, the left-hander had expertly held the innings steady, coming to the crease with the score on 33/2 and crafting 82 from 126 balls a day out from turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Labuschagne and 91 with Alex Carey proved significant.

England's Frustration Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, this was still another disappointing outing from England’s attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his form of the first two Tests, finishing with two for 70 from his 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 from 15 overs.

Carse was erratic when tasked with sharing the new cherry early on, no-balling five times yet removing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a sublime one-handed catch from Zak Crawley at cover. It rather summed up the day for both teams: brilliance interspersed with some sloppy cricket.