Alex Carey's Stunning Century Aids Australia Regroup After Early England Test Series Charge.

In the wake of the chaos of Perth and Brisbane's pink-ball spectacle, an outbreak of familiar brand regarding red-ball cricket returned at the Adelaide ground. For the delighted locals, the day proved one to cherish, as local hero the wicketkeeper-batsman produced a sparkling hundred at his home venue as Australia Australia edge day one.

Not that The touring English side, 2-0 down while clinging on in the series, were entirely disappointed. Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a significant toss and, though far from at their best, his bowlers continued persevering under scorching conditions. At stumps, Australia were 326 for eight off 83 overs – runs on the board yet likely short of their expectations when Pat Cummins got the toss first thing.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Effort.

The standout for England was speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 from 16 overs were a strong riposte against the scrutiny directed at him his way. On this day he clearly led the bowling unit, averaging 88mph (142kph) with the speedometer while providing Stokes a combination of control together with clear threat. Only at the end of play – during a single over using the fresh cherry – that he appeared a bit jaded.

After bounced out Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's initial over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three deliveries. Green's golden duck was a reminder of how this sport can bring even a celebrated player back to reality, his tepid chip to mid-wicket occurring barely a day following trousering a record multi-million dollar contract for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

Carey's Invaluable Contribution Rescues The Innings.

Alex Carey's day, however, was simply priceless, peaking around late afternoon as he elegantly drove Stokes through the covers for three runs and the crowd rose with a roar. Coming off his masterful outing with the gloves at the Gabba, his aggressive 106 from 143 deliveries made sure that the post-lunch wobble of 94/4 did not become a full-blown crisis. The 34-year-old is a genuinely cricketer nowadays.

Australia did leave a few potential runs on the field, though. Absent was the pronounced bounce from the first two Tests replaced by only a fraction of nibble when the right area was located.

The pitch also offered a bit of turn for off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his consistency was that of a part-timer – resulting in expensive figures of two for 105 off 20 overs – and the balls he did get to misbehave will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context and Late Team Change.

This was inevitably a poignant occasion for Australia, coming so shortly in the wake of the horrific tragic incident at Bondi. The minute’s silence prior to the start of play was perfectly observed, broken only by folk singer a rendition delivering an emotional version of 'True Blue'.

By this stage, the hosts were also forced into an alteration to their announced XI. Steve Smith was withdrawn due to dizziness and sickness first thing – an apparent recurrence of the vertigo which has intermittently troubled the star batter ever since he was struck by Archer at Lord's years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his international career may be finished. Until Carey's arrival, Khawaja had expertly held the Australian innings steady, coming to the crease at 33 for two before finessing 82 off 126 deliveries a day out before his 39th birthday. Stands worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Carey were crucial.

England's Mixed Bag Continues.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the energy-sapping heat, it remained still another disappointing day from England’s attack. Brydon Carse rather continued his form from the first two Tests, finishing with figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 from 15 overs.

Carse looked all over the shop when handed sharing the duty of the new ball early on, overstepping five times but still removing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a spectacular one-handed catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day's play for both teams: brilliance interspersed with periods of sloppy play.