Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Brilliant Hundred Assists The Hosts Bounce Back From Early England Ashes Onslaught.

In the wake of that pandemonium of Perth and Brisbane's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of traditional style of the longest format returned on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the delighted locals, it was a day to savour, with their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman delivered an outstanding century at his home venue as Australia the home side edge day one.

However, The touring English side, 2-0 down and clinging on in the series, could be entirely downbeat. Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like an ominous toss and, despite being far from perfect, his bowlers kept plugging away in 35c conditions. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326 for eight from 83 overs – a total on the board yet likely below their expectations after Pat Cummins won the toss first thing.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Effort.

The most impressive performer for England proved to be Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 from his 16 overs constituted a strong answer to the criticism that came this past week. Here he visibly spearheaded the bowling unit, averaging 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun while providing his captain both accuracy together with clear threat. It was only towards the end of play – one over with the second new ball – did he look somewhat jaded.

Having dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's initial over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three deliveries. The all-rounder's duck served as a stark reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, his tepid chip to the mid-wicket fielder occurring barely a day after trousering a record multi-million dollar deal for the upcoming IPL.

The Keeper's Invaluable Contribution Rescues The Ship.

Alex Carey's performance, however, was nothing short of invaluable, culminating around 4.48pm when he elegantly drove Stokes through the covers for three runs which prompted the Adelaide faithful to rise in a huge roar. Fresh from his masterful outing with the gloves at the Gabba, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 runs off 143 deliveries ensured that a post-lunch wobble of 94/4 did not become a complete crisis. At 34, Carey is a genuinely Test match player these days.

Australia undoubtedly left some runs out there, however. Absent was that pronounced pace and bounce of the opening matches and in its place only a fraction of seam movement if the right area was hit.

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

Solemn Context with Late Team Change.

The day's play was inevitably a poignant day for Australia, coming so soon after the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi. The minute’s silence before the first ball was immaculately held, followed by folk singer John Williams delivering a stirring version of True Blue.

By this stage, the hosts were also compelled to make a change from their announced starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn due to feeling dizzy and nausea in the morning – an apparent recurrence of the vertigo which has periodically troubled him since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his international career could be over. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, the left-hander had held the Australian innings together, walking out with the score on 33/2 and finessing 82 off 126 deliveries a day out from his 39th birthday. Partnerships of 61 with Labuschagne and 91 runs with Carey were significant.

England's Frustration Continues.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the sapping conditions, this was yet another disappointing day for England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his inconsistent form of the first two Tests, picking up two for 70 off 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked erratic when tasked with sharing the new ball early on, overstepping on five occasions yet removing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a sublime one-handed catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day for both sides: brilliance interspersed with periods of sloppy cricket.