Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Stunning Hundred Assists Australia Bounce Back After Early England Test Series Assault.

In the wake of that chaos from the Perth Test as well as Brisbane's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of traditional brand of Test cricket was witnessed on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the delighted home crowd, the day proved a day to enjoy, as local hero Alex Carey delivered an outstanding hundred on his home ground to help Australia just shade day one.

Not that England, 2-0 down while still fighting in this contest, could be too downbeat. Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a significant coin toss and, despite being far from perfect, his bowlers kept toiling under 35c conditions. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326-8 off 83 overs – a total on the board yet likely below initial expectations after captain Pat Cummins won the choice in the morning.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Fightback.

The standout for England proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 from 16 overs constituted a strong answer against some of criticism that came this past week. On this day he visibly led the attack, averaging around 88mph (142kph) on the speed gun and offering Stokes a combination of control and clear menace. Only at the very end of play – one over using the fresh cherry – did he look a bit jaded.

After dismissed opener Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's first over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. The all-rounder's golden duck served as a stark reminder that this sport can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, coming from weak chip to mid-wicket occurring barely a day after trousering a massive multi-million dollar contract in the IPL.

The Keeper's Invaluable Innings Steadies The Ship.

Carey's performance, however, was nothing short of invaluable, culminating around late afternoon when he drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three runs and the crowd rose in a huge roar. Coming off his masterful display behind the stumps at the Gabba, his aggressive 106 from 143 deliveries made sure that the post-lunch wobble of 94/4 failed to develop into a complete crisis. The 34-year-old is a serious Test match player these days.

Australia did leave a few potential runs out there, though. Absent was that pronounced pace and bounce of 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 turn for off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-time spinner – hence figures of 2/105 from 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to turn sharply will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Context with Late Switch.

The day's play was always going to be an emotional day for Australia, coming so shortly after a devastating terrorist attack in Bondi. A minute's silence before the first ball was perfectly observed, broken only by folk singer John Williams performing a stirring rendition of 'True Blue'.

By this stage, Australia were also compelled to make a change to their announced XI. Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting feeling dizzy along with sickness in the morning – an apparent return of the vertigo that has periodically affected him ever since being felled by Archer at Lord’s years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his Test career could be over. Before Carey's arrival, the left-hander had held the innings together, walking out at 33 for two and finessing a fine 82 off 126 deliveries a day out before turning 39. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Alex Carey proved significant.

England's Frustration Continues.

Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping heat, this was still another frustrating outing from England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat continued his inconsistent form of the series, picking up figures of 2/70 off 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 from 15 overs.

Carse was all over the shop when tasked with sharing the duty of the new cherry early on, overstepping on five occasions but still removing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a sublime catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather summed up the day for both sides: moments of brilliance mixed with periods of error-prone cricket.