Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Stunning Hundred Aids The Hosts Regroup After Early England Test Series Charge.

Following that frenzy from the Perth Test and the Gabba's pink-ball spectacle, an outbreak of familiar style regarding the longest format broke out at the Adelaide ground. For the locals, the day proved a day to cherish, with their boy Alex Carey notched up a sparkling hundred at his home turf as Australia Australia edge the first day's play.

Not that The touring English side, 2-0 down and still fighting in the contest, were entirely disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a significant coin toss and, despite being not perfect, the English attack continued persevering in sweltering conditions. By the close of play, Australia were 326-8 from 83 overs – runs on the board yet likely below initial ambitions when Pat Cummins got the toss in the morning.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Fightback.

The standout among the tourists was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 off 16 overs were a strong riposte against the criticism that came his way. On this day he clearly led the attack, averaging 88mph (142kmh) with the speedometer while providing Stokes a combination of control and obvious menace. Only at the end of play – during a single over with the fresh cherry – did he look a bit jaded.

After dismissed Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's initial over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three deliveries. The all-rounder's golden duck served as a reminder that this sport can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back to reality, his tepid chip to mid-wicket arriving less than 24 hours following trousering a massive multi-million dollar contract in the Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Invaluable Innings Rescues The Ship.

Alex Carey's day, however, was simply invaluable, culminating around 4.48pm as he elegantly drove Stokes through cover for three and the crowd to rise with a roar. Coming off that masterful display behind the stumps in Brisbane, his aggressive 106 runs off 143 deliveries ensured that the mid-innings stumble to 94/4 failed to develop into a complete collapse. At 34, Carey has become a serious Test match player these days.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left a few runs out there, however. Absent was the pronounced pace and bounce from the opening matches replaced by only a fraction of seam movement if a good length was located.

There was also some grip for Will Jacks, although his control was typical of a part-time spinner – resulting in expensive figures of two for 105 off his 20 overs – and the balls that did to misbehave will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Context with A Late Team Change.

This was inevitably an emotional day for Australia, coming so soon after a devastating terrorist attack in Bondi. The minute’s silence before the first ball was immaculately observed, broken only by folk singer a rendition delivering an emotional version of the anthem True Blue.

Earlier, Australia had also been compelled to make a change to their stated XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out due to dizziness along with sickness first thing – seemingly return of the vertigo which has intermittently troubled him since he was struck by Archer at Lord’s years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his international career could be finished. Before the wicketkeeper's heroics, Khawaja had expertly held the innings steady, walking out at 33 for two and crafting a fine 82 off 126 balls just a day before his 39th birthday. Stands of 61 with Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Alex Carey were crucial.

England's Mixed Bag Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the sapping conditions, this was yet another frustrating day from the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat continued his form from the first two Tests, picking up figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 from 15 overs.

Carse looked all over the shop when handed sharing the new ball early on, overstepping five times yet dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a sublime catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment encapsulated the day's play for both teams: moments of brilliance interspersed with some sloppy play.