Alex Carey's Brilliant Ton Helps The Baggy Greens Regroup After A Swift English Ashes Charge.

In the wake of that chaos from Perth as well as Brisbane's pink-ball palooza, a more familiar style of Test cricket was witnessed on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the delighted South Australian fans, the day proved a day to savour, as local hero Alex Carey produced an outstanding century at his home turf as Australia the home side just shade day one.

Not that The touring English side, trailing 2-0 and still fighting in this series, were too disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a significant coin toss and, though not perfect, the English attack continued toiling in 35c conditions. By the close of play, the Australians were 326-8 from 83 overs – runs on the board yet likely below initial expectations after captain Pat Cummins got the toss first thing.

The Pace of Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Effort.

The most impressive performer among England was speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 from 16 overs were a strong response to the criticism directed at him this past week. Here he clearly spearheaded the attack, clocking 88mph (142kph) with the speed gun and offering his captain both control and clear menace. It was only towards the end of the day – during a single over with the fresh cherry – that he appeared a bit jaded.

Having dismissed opener Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's first over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. Green's golden duck was a reminder of how this sport can bring a player back down to earth, coming from weak chip to the mid-wicket fielder occurring less than a day after trousering a record multi-million dollar contract in the IPL.

The Keeper's Invaluable Contribution Rescues The Ship.

Carey's day, in contrast, was simply priceless, culminating around 4.48pm as he elegantly drove Stokes through cover for three runs and the Adelaide faithful rose in a huge roar. Fresh from his masterful outing behind the stumps at the Gabba, the left-hander's aggressive 106 runs off 143 balls ensured that the mid-innings stumble to 94 for four failed to develop into a full-blown crisis. The 34-year-old is a genuinely cricketer nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup did leave some potential runs on the field, though. Gone was that pronounced pace and bounce of the first two Tests and in its place only a fraction of seam movement if the right area was located.

There was also a bit of grip to Will Jacks, although his control was typical of a part-timer – resulting in expensive figures of two for 105 from his 20 overs – and the balls that did to turn sharply will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop and Late Team Change.

This was inevitably an emotional occasion for Australia, coming so shortly after the horrific tragic incident at Bondi. A minute's silence prior to the start of play was immaculately observed, followed by musician a rendition performing an emotional version of True Blue.

By this stage, Australia were also compelled to make an alteration from their announced starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out after reporting dizziness along with sickness first thing – an apparent recurrence of a vertigo issue that has intermittently affected the star batter ever since he was struck by Archer at Lord’s years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his international career may be over. Until the wicketkeeper's heroics, the left-hander had held the Australian innings steady, coming to the crease at 33 for two and crafting a fine 82 from 126 balls just a day from his 39th birthday. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Carey proved significant.

The Tourist's Mixed Bag Continues.

Archer aside, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, this was still another disappointing outing from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse rather continued his inconsistent form from the first two Tests, finishing with figures of 2/70 off 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 from 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked all over the shop when handed sharing the duty of the new cherry early on, overstepping on five occasions yet dismissing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a sublime one-handed catch by Zak Crawley at cover. This moment summed up the day for both sides: moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of error-prone cricket.