Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Brilliant Hundred Assists The Hosts Recover From Early English Test Series Assault.

Following that chaos of the Perth Test as well as the Gabba's day-night spectacle, a more traditional style of red-ball cricket returned at Adelaide Oval. For the delighted South Australian fans, the day proved a day to cherish, as local hero the wicketkeeper-batsman produced a magnificent hundred at his home venue to help Australia edge the first day's play.

However, The touring English side, trailing 2-0 and clinging on in the contest, could be entirely downbeat. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a significant toss and, despite being not perfect, his bowlers continued plugging away under 35c conditions. At stumps, the Australians had reached 326-8 from 83 overs bowled – a total on the board yet likely short of initial ambitions after captain Pat Cummins won the choice first thing.

The Pace of Archer Leads The Tourist's Resistance.

The most impressive performer for England was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 off 16 overs were a strong answer against some of criticism directed at him this past week. On this day he clearly led the bowling unit, averaging 88mph (142kph) with the speedometer and offering Stokes both control together with clear menace. Only at the very end of the day – one over using the fresh cherry – did he look somewhat weary.

After dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's first over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three balls. Green's duck served as a reminder that cricket can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, his tepid chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder occurring less than a day following trousering a record multi-million dollar contract for the upcoming IPL.

Carey's Invaluable Contribution Rescues The Innings.

Alex Carey's performance, in contrast, was simply priceless, culminating around late afternoon as he drove Ben Stokes through cover for three which prompted the crowd rose in a huge roar. Coming off that masterful display with the gloves in Brisbane, his counterattacking 106 runs off 143 balls made sure that a post-lunch wobble of 94 for four did not become a complete collapse. At 34, Carey is a serious Test match player these days.

Australia did leave a few runs on the field, though. Gone was that excessive bounce of the first two Tests replaced by just a hint of nibble if a good length was located.

The pitch also offered some turn for Will Jacks, even if his consistency was that of a part-time spinner – hence expensive figures of 2/105 off 20 overs – and the balls he did get to misbehave will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop with Late Switch.

The day's play was inevitably a poignant day for Australia, coming so soon after a devastating tragic incident at Bondi. The minute’s silence before the start of play was immaculately observed, followed by musician a rendition delivering a stirring version of the anthem True Blue.

By this stage, Australia were also compelled to make an alteration from their stated starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn due to dizziness along with nausea in the morning – seemingly return of a vertigo issue that has periodically affected him since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's years back.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his international career could be over. Before the wicketkeeper's heroics, Khawaja had held the Australian innings steady, walking out at 33 for two and crafting a fine 82 from 126 balls just a day before turning 39. Stands of 61 with Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Alex Carey proved crucial.

England's Mixed Bag Continues.

Archer aside, and notwithstanding the sapping conditions, this was still another disappointing day from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his form of the first two Tests, finishing with two for 70 off his 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 from 15 overs.

Carse was all over the shop when handed sharing the new cherry early on, no-balling on five occasions but still dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley at cover. It rather encapsulated the day for both teams: brilliance interspersed with some sloppy play.