Australia's Alex Carey's Sparkling Century Aids The Baggy Greens Regroup After An Early England Test Series Charge.

After the frenzy from Perth and the Gabba's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of familiar style regarding Test cricket broke out on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the delighted home crowd, it was a day to cherish, with homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman produced an outstanding century on his home turf to help Australia just shade the opening day.

However, England, 2-0 down and still fighting in the series, were too disappointed. Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a crucial toss and, despite being not at their best, the English attack kept persevering under 35c conditions. By the close of play, Australia were 326 for eight from 83 overs – runs on the board but surely below initial expectations after Pat Cummins won the toss in the morning.

The Pace of Archer Leads The Tourist's Effort.

The most impressive performer for England proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 off his 16 overs constituted a strong riposte against the criticism directed at him this past week. On this day he visibly led the bowling unit, clocking 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer while providing Stokes both accuracy together with obvious threat. Only at the very end of play – during a single over with the second new ball – that he appeared somewhat jaded.

Having dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's initial over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three balls. The all-rounder's golden duck served as a stark reminder that this sport can bring a player back down to earth, his tepid chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder occurring barely a day after securing a massive £1.5m contract in the IPL.

The Keeper's Invaluable Contribution Steadies The Ship.

Carey's day, however, was nothing short of priceless, peaking at 4.48pm as he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three which prompted the Adelaide faithful to rise in a huge roar. Fresh from his masterful outing behind the stumps at the Gabba, his aggressive 106 runs off 143 balls ensured that the post-lunch wobble to 94/4 failed to develop into a complete collapse. The 34-year-old is a genuinely Test match player nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left a few runs on the field, however. Absent was the excessive bounce from the opening matches and in its place only a fraction of nibble when a good length was located.

The pitch also offered a bit of grip for off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his consistency was typical of a part-timer – hence expensive figures of two for 105 off his 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to misbehave will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Context and A Late Switch.

This was inevitably an emotional day for Australia, arriving so soon after the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi. The minute’s silence observed prior to the start of play was immaculately held, broken only by folk singer a rendition performing a stirring rendition of True Blue.

Earlier, the hosts were also forced into a change to their announced XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting feeling dizzy and nausea first thing – seemingly return of the vertigo which has intermittently troubled the star batter since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his international career may be finished. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, Khawaja had held the innings steady, coming to the crease with the score on 33 for two before finessing 82 from 126 deliveries a day out from his 39th birthday. Partnerships of 61 with Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Alex Carey were significant.

England's Frustration Continues.

Archer aside, and despite the sapping conditions, this was still another frustrating day from the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat continued his inconsistent form of the series, picking up two for 70 off 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked erratic when tasked with sharing the duty of the new ball first thing, overstepping on five occasions yet dismissing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a sublime catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather summed up the day for both sides: brilliance interspersed with some error-prone play.