Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Sparkling Ton Assists The Hosts Regroup After Early English Test Series Assault.

After that frenzy from the Perth Test and Brisbane's day-night palooza, a more traditional style regarding red-ball cricket returned on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the delighted home crowd, the day proved one to enjoy, with their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman delivered a magnificent hundred at his home ground as Australia the home side edge the opening day.

However, England, trailing 2-0 while still fighting in the contest, could be too disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a significant coin toss and, despite being far from perfect, the English attack kept persevering in 35c conditions. By the close of play, Australia were 326-8 off 83 overs – a total on the board yet likely below initial ambitions when captain Pat Cummins got the toss in the morning.

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

The standout for the tourists proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 off 16 overs were a powerful riposte against the criticism directed at him his way. On this day he visibly led the attack, clocking 88mph (142kph) with the speedometer and offering his captain a combination of accuracy together with obvious menace. Only at the end of the day – one over with the fresh cherry – that he appeared a bit jaded.

After dismissed Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's first over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three deliveries. Green's duck was a stark reminder that this sport can bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip to the mid-wicket fielder occurring less than 24 hours after securing a record £1.5m contract in the IPL.

The Keeper's Invaluable Contribution Rescues The Innings.

Carey's day, in contrast, was simply priceless, culminating around late afternoon as he drove Stokes through the covers for three runs and the crowd to rise with a roar. Coming off that masterful outing behind the stumps at the Gabba, his counterattacking 106 from 143 deliveries ensured that a post-lunch wobble to 94/4 failed to develop into a full-blown collapse. The 34-year-old has become a serious cricketer these days.

Australia did leave a few runs on the field, however. Absent was the pronounced bounce of the opening matches replaced by just a hint of nibble if a good length was hit.

There was also some turn to off-spinner Will Jacks, although his control was typical of a part-time spinner – hence figures of two for 105 from 20 overs – and the balls he did get to turn sharply will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Context and A Late Switch.

The day's play was inevitably a poignant occasion for the host nation, arriving so soon after a devastating terrorist attack in Bondi. The minute’s silence prior to the first ball was perfectly observed, broken only by musician a rendition performing a stirring rendition of the anthem True Blue.

Earlier, the hosts were also compelled to make a change to their stated XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out due to feeling dizzy and sickness first thing – an apparent recurrence of a vertigo issue which has periodically troubled the star batter since being felled 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, Khawaja had expertly held the innings together, walking out at 33/2 and crafting a fine 82 from 126 balls a day out from his 39th birthday. Stands of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 with Carey proved crucial.

England's Frustration Continues.

Archer aside, and notwithstanding the energy-sapping conditions, this was still another frustrating outing from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his form of the series, picking up figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 from 15 overs.

Carse was erratic when handed sharing the new cherry early on, no-balling on five occasions but still removing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a sublime catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day's play for both sides: moments of brilliance interspersed with some error-prone play.