Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Stunning Century Helps The Baggy Greens Bounce Back After A Swift English Ashes Charge.

In the wake of that chaos of Perth and the Gabba's pink-ball palooza, a more familiar brand regarding red-ball cricket broke out on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the delighted locals, it was one to enjoy, as homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up a sparkling hundred on his home venue to help the home side edge day one.

However, England, trailing 2-0 while still fighting in the contest, were too disheartened. Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a crucial coin toss and, though not at their best, the English attack continued persevering in scorching heat. At stumps, the Australians were 326 for eight off 83 overs – runs on the board but surely short of their ambitions after captain Pat Cummins got the choice first thing.

The Pace of Archer Leads The Tourist's Resistance.

The standout for the tourists was speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 from his 16 overs constituted a powerful answer against some of scrutiny directed at him his way. Here he clearly spearheaded the attack, averaging 88mph (142kmh) on the speed gun and offering his captain a combination of control together with obvious threat. It was only towards the end of the day – during a single over using the second new ball – did he look a bit weary.

After bounced out opener Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three deliveries. The all-rounder's golden duck served as a stark reminder of how this sport can bring a player back to reality, his tepid chip shot to mid-wicket occurring less than 24 hours after trousering a record multi-million dollar deal for the upcoming IPL.

The Keeper's Invaluable Innings Rescues The Innings.

Carey's performance, in contrast, was simply priceless, culminating at 4.48pm as he elegantly drove Stokes through the covers for three which prompted the Adelaide faithful to rise with a roar. Coming off his virtuoso outing behind the stumps at the Gabba, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 from 143 balls ensured that the post-lunch wobble to 94/4 did not become a full-blown collapse. The 34-year-old has become a serious cricketer nowadays.

Australia did leave some potential runs out there, however. Absent was the pronounced bounce of the opening matches replaced by just a hint of nibble when the right area was hit.

There was also some turn for off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his control was typical of a part-timer – resulting in expensive figures of two for 105 off 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to turn sharply will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop and A Late Team Change.

This was always going to be a poignant occasion for the host nation, coming so soon in the wake of a devastating tragic incident at Bondi. The minute’s silence observed prior to the start of play was immaculately observed, followed by folk singer a rendition performing an emotional rendition of 'True Blue'.

By this stage, the hosts had also been compelled to make a change to their announced XI. Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting dizziness along with sickness first thing – an apparent return of the vertigo which has periodically affected him since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his Test career may be over. Until Carey's heroics, the left-hander had held the Australian innings steady, coming to the crease with the score on 33/2 before finessing a fine 82 from 126 deliveries a day out before his 39th birthday. Partnerships of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Carey proved crucial.

England's Frustration Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the sapping heat, it remained yet another disappointing day from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse rather rolled over his inconsistent form from the first two Tests, picking up two for 70 from his 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 in 15 overs.

Carse looked all over the shop when handed sharing the new ball early on, overstepping five times yet dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather encapsulated the day for both teams: brilliance interspersed with some sloppy cricket.