Australia's Alex Carey's Sparkling Hundred Assists Australia Regroup From An Early English Test Series Assault.

In the wake of the frenzy of Perth and Brisbane's day-night spectacle, a more traditional style of Test cricket returned on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the locals, it was one to savour, with homegrown talent Alex Carey delivered an outstanding century on his home turf to help the home side edge day one.

Not that The touring English side, trailing 2-0 and clinging on in this contest, were too disappointed. Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a significant coin toss and, though far from perfect, the English attack kept plugging away under 35c heat. By the close of play, the Australians were 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – runs on the board yet likely short of initial ambitions when captain Pat Cummins won the choice in the morning.

Jofra Archer Leads England's Effort.

The standout among England proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 off 16 overs constituted a strong response to the scrutiny that came this past week. Here he visibly led the attack, averaging around 88mph (142kph) with the speed gun while providing his captain a combination of accuracy together with clear menace. Only at the end of play – during a single over using the fresh cherry – did he look somewhat jaded.

After dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's initial over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three balls. The all-rounder's golden duck was a stark reminder that cricket can bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, coming from weak chip to mid-wicket occurring less than a day after securing a record multi-million dollar contract in the IPL.

The Keeper's Invaluable Contribution Steadies The Ship.

Carey's day, however, was nothing short of invaluable, peaking around late afternoon when he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three runs and the crowd rose with a roar. Fresh from his masterful display with the gloves at the Gabba, his aggressive 106 runs off 143 balls made sure that a mid-innings stumble to 94/4 did not become a complete crisis. At 34, Carey is a serious cricketer nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup did leave a few runs out there, though. Gone was the pronounced pace and bounce of the opening matches replaced by just a hint of seam movement when a good length was located.

There was also a bit of turn for off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his consistency was typical of a part-time spinner – hence figures of two for 105 off 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to turn sharply will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop and A Late Switch.

The day's play was inevitably an emotional occasion for the host nation, arriving so shortly in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi. A minute's silence prior to the first ball was perfectly held, broken only by folk singer a rendition performing an emotional rendition of the anthem True Blue.

Earlier, Australia were also forced into a change from their announced XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out due to dizziness and nausea first thing – an apparent recurrence of the vertigo which has periodically affected the star batter ever since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his international career may be over. Before Carey's heroics, the left-hander had expertly held the innings steady, walking out at 33/2 before crafting 82 from 126 balls just a day from turning 39. Stands worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Alex Carey proved significant.

The Tourist's Mixed Bag Continues.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, this was yet another disappointing day for the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his form of the first two Tests, finishing with figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked all over the shop when tasked with sharing the duty of the new cherry first thing, overstepping five times but still removing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a spectacular one-handed catch by Zak Crawley at cover. This moment encapsulated the day for both sides: brilliance interspersed with periods of sloppy play.