Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Stunning Century Assists The Hosts Regroup From A Swift England Ashes Charge.

In the wake of that chaos from the Perth Test and Brisbane's day-night palooza, a more traditional style of the longest format broke out on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the locals, it was a day to enjoy, with their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman produced a sparkling hundred on his home turf as Australia the home side edge the opening day.

Not that The touring English side, trailing 2-0 and clinging on in this contest, were entirely disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like an ominous toss and, though not at their best, the English attack continued plugging away in scorching conditions. By the close of play, the Australians were 326-8 from 83 overs bowled – a total on the board but surely below initial ambitions after Pat Cummins got the toss in the morning.

The Pace of Archer Leads England's Fightback.

The standout among England was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 from 16 overs constituted a powerful response against some of scrutiny that came this past week. On this day he visibly led the bowling unit, averaging around 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer while providing Stokes a combination of control together with obvious threat. It was only towards the very end of the day – one over with the second new ball – that he appeared somewhat weary.

Having dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three balls. The all-rounder's golden duck served as a reminder of how cricket can bring even a celebrated player back to reality, coming from weak chip to mid-wicket arriving less than a day following securing a massive multi-million dollar contract for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

Carey's Priceless Contribution Rescues The Innings.

Carey's day, in contrast, was nothing short of priceless, peaking around 4.48pm as he drove Stokes through the covers for three which prompted the Adelaide faithful rose in a huge roar. Fresh from his masterful display behind the stumps in Brisbane, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 off 143 balls made sure that a post-lunch wobble to 94 for four failed to develop into a full-blown collapse. At 34, Carey is a serious Test match player these days.

The Australian batting lineup did leave some potential runs out there, however. Absent was the excessive bounce of the first two Tests and in its place just a hint of seam movement when a good length was located.

There was also some turn to Will Jacks, although his control was that of a part-timer – hence figures of 2/105 from his 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to misbehave will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop with Late Switch.

This was always going to be a poignant day for Australia, arriving so soon after a devastating tragic incident in Bondi. The minute’s silence observed before the first ball was perfectly observed, followed by musician a rendition delivering a stirring rendition of 'True Blue'.

Earlier, Australia had also been compelled to make an alteration to their stated starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting dizziness along with nausea first thing – an apparent return of the vertigo which has intermittently troubled him since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his Test career may be over. Before Carey's heroics, the left-hander had expertly held the innings together, walking out at 33 for two before crafting 82 off 126 balls just a day before turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Alex Carey were crucial.

England's Frustration Continues.

Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping conditions, it remained still another disappointing outing from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse rather rolled over his inconsistent form from the series, picking up two for 70 from 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 from 15 overs.

Carse was erratic when handed sharing the duty of the new cherry early on, no-balling on five occasions but still dismissing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a spectacular one-handed catch from Zak Crawley at cover. This moment encapsulated the day's play for both sides: moments of brilliance mixed with periods of error-prone play.