Alex Carey's Sparkling Ton Assists Australia Bounce Back From An Early English Test Series Assault.

After that frenzy from Perth and the Gabba's pink-ball palooza, an outbreak of traditional brand regarding red-ball cricket was witnessed at the Adelaide ground. For the delighted home crowd, the day proved one to enjoy, as their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up a magnificent hundred at his home venue to help Australia edge day one.

However, The touring English side, 2-0 down and still fighting in this contest, could be entirely disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what appeared an ominous coin toss and, despite being far from perfect, his bowlers kept persevering under sweltering conditions. At stumps, Australia had reached 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – a total on the board yet likely short of initial ambitions after captain Pat Cummins got the choice first thing.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Resistance.

The most impressive performer for the tourists proved to be Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 from his 16 overs were a strong answer to some of scrutiny directed at him his way. Here he visibly spearheaded the attack, clocking around 88mph (142kmh) on the speed gun and offering his captain both accuracy and clear menace. It was only towards the very end of play – one over using the fresh cherry – did he look a bit jaded.

Having dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's initial over after lunch wiped out 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 bring even a celebrated player back to reality, coming from tepid chip to the mid-wicket fielder occurring barely a day after securing a record multi-million dollar deal in the IPL.

Carey's Priceless Contribution Steadies The Ship.

Carey's performance, however, was simply invaluable, culminating at 4.48pm when he drove Ben Stokes through cover for three which prompted the crowd to rise with a roar. Fresh from that virtuoso outing behind the stumps at the Gabba, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 off 143 deliveries made sure that the post-lunch wobble to 94 for four did not become a full-blown crisis. At 34, Carey is a genuinely cricketer these days.

The Australian batting lineup did leave a few potential runs out there, however. Absent was that pronounced bounce of the opening matches replaced by just a hint of seam movement when the right area was located.

There was also a bit of turn for Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-timer – hence expensive figures of 2/105 from his 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to turn sharply will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context and A Late Switch.

This was always going to be a poignant occasion for the host nation, coming so shortly in the wake of the horrific tragic incident in Bondi. A minute's silence observed prior to the first ball was immaculately held, followed by musician John Williams delivering an emotional rendition of True Blue.

Earlier, Australia were also forced into an alteration to their stated XI. Steve Smith pulled out after reporting feeling dizzy and sickness first thing – an apparent return of the vertigo which has periodically affected him since being felled by Archer at Lord’s years back.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his international career may be finished. Until the wicketkeeper's arrival, the left-hander had held the Australian innings steady, walking out with the score on 33 for two and crafting 82 from 126 balls a day out from his 39th birthday. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 runs with Carey proved crucial.

The Tourist's Frustration Continues.

Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping conditions, it remained still another frustrating outing from England’s attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his inconsistent form from the first two Tests, finishing with figures of 2/70 from his 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue picked up 1/63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler was all over the shop when handed sharing the new ball early on, no-balling five times but still dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a spectacular one-handed catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment encapsulated the day's play for both sides: moments of brilliance mixed with periods of sloppy play.