Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Stunning Century Aids Australia Recover After A Swift England Test Series Assault.

Following the pandemonium from the Perth Test and the Gabba's day-night spectacle, a more traditional style of the longest format broke out on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the South Australian fans, the day proved one to savour, as their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman delivered an outstanding century on his home venue to help Australia edge the first day's play.

However, England, trailing 2-0 and clinging on in the series, were too downbeat. Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a crucial toss and, despite being far from perfect, the English attack continued persevering in scorching conditions. At stumps, the Australians were 326 for eight from 83 overs – a total on the board but surely below initial expectations after Pat Cummins got the toss first thing.

The Pace of Archer Stands Out For England's Effort.

The most impressive performer among the tourists proved to be Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 off his 16 overs constituted a strong response to some of criticism directed at him this past week. On this day he clearly led the bowling unit, clocking around 88mph (142kmh) with the speedometer and offering his captain both control together with clear threat. It was only towards the end of the day – one over with the fresh cherry – did he look a bit weary.

After dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's initial over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three balls. The all-rounder's duck was a reminder that cricket can swiftly bring a player back to reality, his weak chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder occurring less than a day after trousering a record £1.5m contract in the Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Priceless Contribution Steadies The Innings.

Carey's day, in contrast, was nothing short of invaluable, culminating around late afternoon when he drove Ben Stokes through cover for three which prompted the crowd to rise in a huge roar. Coming off his virtuoso display with the gloves in Brisbane, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 runs off 143 deliveries ensured that a mid-innings stumble to 94/4 did not become a complete collapse. At 34, Carey is a serious Test match player these days.

Australia did leave some potential runs on the field, though. Gone was the excessive bounce from the first two Tests and in its place only a fraction of seam movement when a good length was hit.

The pitch also offered a bit of grip to Will Jacks, although his control was that of a part-timer – hence expensive figures of two for 105 from 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to turn sharply will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context and Late Team Change.

The day's play was always going to be an emotional occasion for Australia, arriving so soon after a devastating terrorist attack in Bondi. A minute's silence before the start of play was immaculately held, followed by folk singer a rendition delivering a stirring rendition of True Blue.

Earlier, the hosts had also been compelled to make an alteration to their announced starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn due to dizziness and nausea in the morning – an apparent recurrence of a vertigo issue that has periodically affected him since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his Test career could be finished. Until Carey's arrival, Khawaja had expertly held the Australian innings together, walking out with the score on 33/2 before finessing 82 from 126 deliveries a day out before turning 39. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Carey proved significant.

England's Frustration Continues.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the sapping conditions, it remained yet another frustrating day from the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather rolled over his form of the series, picking up two for 70 off his 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 in 15 overs.

Carse looked all over the shop when handed sharing the new cherry first thing, no-balling on five occasions but still dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of 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.