Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Brilliant Century Helps Australia Bounce Back After Early England Ashes Assault.

In the wake of that frenzy from Perth as well as Brisbane's day-night spectacle, a more traditional style of the longest format broke out at Adelaide Oval. For the South Australian fans, the day proved a day to enjoy, as local hero Alex Carey delivered a sparkling hundred on his home ground to help Australia just shade the opening day.

However, England, trailing 2-0 and still fighting in this contest, were entirely disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a significant coin toss and, though far from perfect, his bowlers continued persevering in 35c conditions. By the close of play, Australia were 326-8 off 83 overs bowled – runs on the board but surely short of initial ambitions after Pat Cummins got the toss in the morning.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Fightback.

The standout among the tourists was speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 from his 16 overs were a strong response to some of scrutiny directed at him his way. On this day he clearly spearheaded the attack, averaging around 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer while providing Stokes both accuracy together with clear threat. It was only towards the very end of the day – during a single over with the second new ball – did he look somewhat weary.

After bounced out Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three balls. The all-rounder's duck served as a stark reminder of how cricket can bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, coming from weak chip to the mid-wicket fielder arriving less than a day 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, in contrast, was simply invaluable, culminating around late afternoon when he drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three runs and the crowd rose in a huge roar. Coming off that masterful outing with the gloves at the Gabba, his counterattacking 106 runs from 143 deliveries made sure that the mid-innings stumble to 94 for four failed to develop into a full-blown collapse. The 34-year-old is a serious Test match player these days.

Australia did leave a few potential runs out there, however. Gone was the excessive bounce from the opening matches replaced by only a fraction of seam movement when the right area was located.

There was also some grip to Will Jacks, even if his consistency was that of a part-timer – resulting in expensive figures of 2/105 from 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to turn sharply will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Context and Late Team Change.

The day's play was always going to be a poignant occasion for Australia, arriving so soon in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi. The minute’s silence observed prior to the start of play was immaculately held, followed by musician John Williams performing an emotional version of the anthem True Blue.

By this stage, the hosts had also been compelled to make an alteration from their stated starting eleven. Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting dizziness and sickness in the morning – an apparent return of a vertigo issue that has periodically troubled him ever since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his international career may be finished. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, Khawaja had expertly held the innings steady, walking out at 33 for two before finessing a fine 82 off 126 deliveries a day out from his 39th birthday. Stands worth 61 runs with Labuschagne and 91 with Alex Carey were crucial.

The Tourist's Mixed Bag Persists.

Archer aside, and despite the sapping heat, this was still another disappointing outing for the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather rolled over his inconsistent form from the first two Tests, finishing with two for 70 from 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked all over the shop when handed sharing the new ball early on, overstepping on five occasions yet removing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a spectacular one-handed catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather encapsulated the day for both teams: brilliance mixed with some sloppy play.