Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Sparkling Hundred Aids The Baggy Greens Bounce Back From An Early England Ashes Onslaught.

In the wake of that frenzy from Perth and Brisbane's day-night palooza, an outbreak of familiar brand of the longest format broke out on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the locals, the day proved one to enjoy, with homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up a magnificent century at his home venue as Australia the home side edge the opening day.

However, England, 2-0 down while still fighting in the contest, were too disappointed. Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like a significant coin toss and, though not at their best, his bowlers continued plugging away under 35c conditions. By the close of play, the Australians were 326-8 from 83 overs – runs on the board but surely short of initial expectations after captain Pat Cummins got the toss in the morning.

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 response to some of scrutiny that came his way. Here he clearly led the attack, averaging around 88mph (142kmh) with the speedometer while providing his captain a combination of accuracy together with clear menace. Only at the end of play – during a single over with the fresh cherry – that he appeared somewhat jaded.

Having dismissed opener Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's first over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three deliveries. Green's duck was a stark reminder of how this sport can bring a player back to reality, his tepid chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder arriving less than 24 hours following trousering a record multi-million dollar deal in the Indian Premier League.

Carey's Invaluable Innings Rescues The Ship.

Alex Carey's performance, however, was simply invaluable, peaking around late afternoon as he drove Ben Stokes through cover for three runs which prompted the Adelaide faithful rose in a huge roar. Coming off his masterful outing behind the stumps at the Gabba, his aggressive 106 runs off 143 balls ensured that the post-lunch wobble to 94/4 did not become a full-blown crisis. At 34, Carey is a serious Test match player nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup did leave some runs on the field, though. Absent was that pronounced bounce of the first two Tests and in its place only a fraction of nibble if the right area was hit.

The pitch also offered some grip to off-spinner Will Jacks, although his control was that of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of two for 105 from 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to misbehave will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Backdrop with Late Switch.

The day's play was inevitably an emotional day for Australia, arriving so soon in the wake of a devastating terrorist attack in Bondi. The minute’s silence before the start of play was perfectly held, broken only by folk singer a rendition performing an emotional version of 'True Blue'.

Earlier, the hosts had also been compelled to make a change to their announced XI. Steve Smith pulled out due to feeling dizzy and sickness first thing – seemingly return of a vertigo issue that has intermittently affected him since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his international career could be over. Until the wicketkeeper's arrival, the left-hander had held the innings together, walking out with the score on 33 for two before crafting a fine 82 off 126 deliveries just a day before his 39th birthday. Partnerships of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 with Carey were crucial.

England's Frustration Persists.

Archer aside, and notwithstanding the energy-sapping heat, this was still another disappointing day for England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his inconsistent form of the first two Tests, picking up figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue picked up 1/63 from 15 overs.

Carse was all over the shop when handed sharing the new ball first thing, overstepping five times yet removing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a sublime one-handed catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather encapsulated the day's play for both sides: brilliance interspersed with some error-prone play.