Australia's Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Assists Australia Bounce Back After A Swift England Ashes Charge.

In the wake of that pandemonium of the Perth Test and the Gabba's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of traditional brand of Test cricket returned at Adelaide Oval. For the home crowd, the day proved one to cherish, as their boy Alex Carey delivered a magnificent century at his home ground to help the home side just shade the first day's play.

Not that England, trailing 2-0 while clinging on in this contest, were too downbeat. Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a significant coin toss and, despite being far from perfect, the English attack continued plugging away under sweltering heat. At stumps, Australia had reached 326 for eight off 83 overs – a total on the board yet likely short of initial ambitions when Pat Cummins won the choice first thing.

The Pace of Archer Leads England's Effort.

The most impressive performer among the tourists proved to be Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 off his 16 overs constituted a strong response to the criticism directed at him this past week. On this day he clearly spearheaded the bowling unit, clocking around 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer while providing Stokes both accuracy together with obvious menace. It was only towards the end of play – one over with the second new ball – did he look somewhat jaded.

Having dismissed opener Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's initial over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three deliveries. Green's golden duck served as a stark reminder of how cricket can bring a player back to reality, his tepid chip to the mid-wicket fielder occurring less than a day following securing a massive multi-million dollar contract for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

Carey's Priceless Contribution Rescues The Ship.

Carey's day, however, was simply priceless, peaking around 4.48pm when he drove Stokes through the covers for three runs which prompted the Adelaide faithful rose with a roar. Coming off his virtuoso display with the gloves at the Gabba, his counterattacking 106 from 143 balls ensured that the post-lunch wobble to 94/4 failed to develop into a complete crisis. The 34-year-old is a serious cricketer nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup did leave a few runs out there, though. Absent was that pronounced bounce from the first two Tests and in its place just a hint of nibble when the right area was hit.

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

Emotional Context with A Late Switch.

This was inevitably an emotional occasion for the host nation, coming so shortly after a devastating terrorist attack at Bondi. A minute's silence observed prior to the first ball was perfectly held, broken only by musician a rendition delivering an emotional version of 'True Blue'.

By this stage, Australia were also compelled to make an alteration from their stated XI. Steve Smith pulled out after reporting dizziness and nausea first thing – seemingly recurrence of a vertigo issue that has periodically affected the star batter since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his international career may be over. Until Carey's arrival, the left-hander had held the Australian innings steady, walking out with the score on 33 for two before crafting a fine 82 from 126 deliveries a day out before turning 39. Stands of 61 with Labuschagne and 91 runs with Alex Carey were crucial.

England's Mixed Bag Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the sapping conditions, this was still another disappointing day for the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his form from the series, picking up two for 70 from his 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue picked up 1/63 from 15 overs.

Carse looked all over the shop when tasked with sharing the duty of the new ball early on, overstepping five times but still dismissing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a sublime one-handed catch by Zak Crawley at cover. It rather summed up the day for both teams: moments of brilliance mixed with periods of error-prone play.