Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Sparkling Ton Assists Australia Regroup After A Swift English Test Series Charge.

After that frenzy from Perth and Brisbane's pink-ball spectacle, a more familiar brand regarding Test cricket was witnessed on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the home crowd, it was one to savour, as local hero the wicketkeeper-batsman produced an outstanding century on his home ground to help Australia edge the opening day.

Not that England, trailing 2-0 while clinging on in this contest, were entirely downbeat. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like a significant coin toss and, despite being far from at their best, the English attack continued toiling under scorching conditions. At stumps, Australia were 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – a total on the board yet likely below their expectations when captain Pat Cummins got the toss in the morning.

The Pace of Archer Leads England's Effort.

The standout among England proved to be Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 from his 16 overs constituted a powerful answer against the scrutiny that came his way. Here he visibly led the bowling unit, clocking 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun and offering his captain both accuracy together with clear threat. Only at the very end of play – one over with the second new ball – that he appeared a bit jaded.

After dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's first over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. The all-rounder's duck was a stark reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, his tepid chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder arriving barely a day after securing a record £1.5m deal in the IPL.

The Keeper's Invaluable Innings Steadies The Ship.

Carey's day, in contrast, was nothing short of invaluable, culminating around late afternoon as he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three which prompted the crowd to rise with a roar. Fresh from that masterful display behind the stumps at the Gabba, his aggressive 106 from 143 deliveries ensured that a mid-innings stumble to 94/4 failed to develop into a complete crisis. The 34-year-old is a serious Test match player nowadays.

Australia undoubtedly left a few runs on the field, however. Gone was that excessive pace and bounce from the opening matches and in its place just a hint of seam movement when a good length was hit.

The pitch also offered a bit of turn to off-spinner Will Jacks, although his control was typical of a part-time spinner – resulting in expensive figures of two for 105 off 20 overs – and the balls he did get to misbehave will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context with A Late Team Change.

This was always going to be an emotional occasion for the host nation, arriving so soon in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi. The minute’s silence prior to the first ball was immaculately held, followed by musician a rendition delivering an emotional rendition of True Blue.

By this stage, the hosts had also been forced into an alteration to their stated starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting feeling dizzy along with nausea in the morning – seemingly recurrence of the vertigo which has intermittently troubled him ever since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his Test career may be finished. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, the left-hander had held the Australian innings steady, coming to the crease at 33 for two and crafting a fine 82 from 126 deliveries just a day from his 39th birthday. Partnerships of 61 with Labuschagne and 91 with Alex Carey were crucial.

The Tourist's Mixed Bag Persists.

Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping conditions, it remained yet another disappointing day from England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat continued his form of the first two Tests, picking up figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked erratic when tasked with sharing the duty of the new ball first thing, overstepping on five occasions yet dismissing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a sublime catch from Zak Crawley at cover. It rather encapsulated the day for both sides: brilliance mixed with periods of error-prone play.