Alex Carey's Stunning Hundred Helps Australia Recover After Early English Test Series Onslaught.

In the wake of the pandemonium from Perth and the Gabba's pink-ball palooza, an outbreak of familiar style of the longest format broke out on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the delighted locals, the day proved one to enjoy, with their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman produced a sparkling hundred on his home ground as Australia Australia edge the opening day.

Not that The touring English side, 2-0 down and still fighting in the series, were entirely disheartened. Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like a crucial toss and, though far from perfect, his bowlers kept persevering under sweltering conditions. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326-8 off 83 overs bowled – runs on the board yet likely short of initial expectations after Pat Cummins got the toss first thing.

The Pace of Archer Leads England's Effort.

The most impressive performer for England proved to be Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 off his 16 overs were a powerful riposte to some of scrutiny that came his way. Here he clearly spearheaded the attack, clocking 88mph (142kmh) with the speedometer and offering Stokes both accuracy together with obvious threat. Only at the very end of the day – one over using the second new ball – did he look somewhat jaded.

After dismissed opener Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's initial over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three balls. The all-rounder's duck was a stark reminder that this sport can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, coming from weak chip to mid-wicket arriving less than a day after trousering a record multi-million dollar deal for the upcoming IPL.

Carey's Priceless Innings Steadies The Ship.

Alex Carey's day, however, was nothing short of invaluable, culminating at late afternoon as he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through cover for three runs which prompted the crowd to rise in a huge roar. Coming off that virtuoso outing with the gloves at the Gabba, his counterattacking 106 runs from 143 balls made sure that a mid-innings stumble of 94/4 did not become a complete crisis. At 34, Carey has become a serious cricketer these days.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left a few runs out there, though. Absent was the excessive pace and bounce of the opening matches replaced by only a fraction of nibble when the right area was located.

The pitch also offered some grip to off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his control was typical of a part-timer – resulting in figures of two for 105 from his 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to misbehave will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop and Late Switch.

The day's play was always going to be an emotional day for Australia, coming so soon in the wake of a devastating tragic incident at Bondi. The minute’s silence before the start of play was immaculately held, broken only by folk singer a rendition performing a stirring rendition of the anthem 'True Blue'.

Earlier, Australia were also forced into a change from their stated XI. Steve Smith was withdrawn due to dizziness and sickness first thing – an apparent recurrence of a vertigo issue which has intermittently troubled him ever since he was struck by Archer at Lord's six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his Test career could be over. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, Khawaja had held the innings steady, walking out with the score on 33/2 before finessing 82 from 126 deliveries a day out before his 39th birthday. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Alex Carey proved significant.

England's Frustration Continues.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the energy-sapping heat, this was still another frustrating day from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his inconsistent form of the series, finishing with two for 70 from 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 from 15 overs.

Carse looked erratic when tasked with sharing the duty of the new cherry first thing, overstepping five times but still removing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley at cover. This moment summed up the day's play for both sides: brilliance mixed with some error-prone cricket.