Alex Carey's Sparkling Hundred Aids The Hosts Bounce Back From Early English Test Series Onslaught.

In the wake of that pandemonium of the Perth Test as well as the Gabba's day-night spectacle, a more familiar style regarding the longest format returned on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the delighted South Australian fans, it was a day to enjoy, as local hero the wicketkeeper-batsman produced an outstanding century at his home ground as Australia the home side edge the opening day.

However, The touring English side, trailing 2-0 while clinging on in this contest, could be entirely disheartened. Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like a crucial toss and, though far from at their best, the English attack continued persevering in 35c conditions. At stumps, the Australians were 326-8 off 83 overs – runs on the board yet likely below their expectations after captain Pat Cummins got the choice in the morning.

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

The most impressive performer among the tourists proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 off his 16 overs were a strong response to some of criticism directed at him this past week. Here he clearly spearheaded the attack, averaging 88mph (142kmh) with the speedometer while providing his captain both control and clear menace. It was only towards the end of the day – during a single over with the fresh cherry – that he appeared somewhat weary.

After bounced out opener Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's first over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three balls. Green's golden duck served as a reminder that this sport can bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder arriving less than 24 hours after trousering a massive multi-million dollar contract in the IPL.

The Keeper's Invaluable Innings Steadies The Ship.

Alex Carey's performance, however, was nothing short of priceless, peaking around 4.48pm as he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three runs and the Adelaide faithful to rise with a roar. Fresh from his virtuoso display with the gloves at the Gabba, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 runs from 143 deliveries ensured that the post-lunch wobble of 94 for four failed to develop into a complete collapse. The 34-year-old is a serious cricketer these days.

The Australian batting lineup did leave some runs on the field, though. Absent was that pronounced pace and bounce from the first two Tests and in its place just a hint of seam movement if the right area was hit.

There was also a bit of grip for Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-timer – hence figures of two for 105 from his 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to turn sharply will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Context and A Late Switch.

The day's play was inevitably an emotional day for the host nation, arriving so soon after the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi. The minute’s silence before the first ball was perfectly held, followed by musician John Williams delivering an emotional version of the anthem True Blue.

Earlier, the hosts were also forced into an alteration from their announced starting eleven. Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting feeling dizzy and nausea in the morning – an apparent recurrence of a vertigo issue which has periodically troubled him since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his Test career may be over. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, Khawaja had held the Australian innings steady, coming to the crease with the score on 33 for two and crafting a fine 82 from 126 balls just a day from his 39th birthday. Partnerships of 61 with Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Carey were crucial.

The Tourist's Mixed Bag Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, this was still another frustrating day from the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather continued his form from the series, finishing with figures of 2/70 from 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 from 15 overs.

Carse looked erratic when handed sharing the duty of the new cherry early on, overstepping five times but still dismissing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a spectacular one-handed catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather encapsulated the day's play for both teams: moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of sloppy cricket.