Australia's Alex Carey's Brilliant Ton Helps The Hosts Regroup After Early English Test Series Onslaught.

Following that pandemonium from Perth and the Gabba's pink-ball palooza, an outbreak of familiar brand regarding red-ball cricket broke out on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the locals, the day proved one to enjoy, with their boy Alex Carey notched up a sparkling century on his home turf as Australia Australia edge the first day's play.

However, The touring English side, 2-0 down and clinging on in this series, could be entirely disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared an ominous coin toss and, despite being far from at their best, the English attack continued plugging away under 35c conditions. At stumps, Australia were 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – runs on the board but surely short of their ambitions when captain Pat Cummins won the choice in the morning.

Jofra Archer Leads The Tourist's Effort.

The most impressive performer among England proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 from his 16 overs constituted a powerful riposte to some of scrutiny that came his way. On this day he clearly led the bowling unit, clocking 88mph (142kph) on the speedometer and offering Stokes a combination of control together with clear threat. It was only towards the end of the day – during a single over with the fresh cherry – that he appeared a bit jaded.

Having bounced out Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three balls. The all-rounder's golden duck served as a reminder of how cricket can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, coming from weak chip to the mid-wicket fielder arriving less than a day after trousering a massive multi-million dollar deal for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

Carey's Invaluable Contribution Steadies The Ship.

Carey's day, however, was simply priceless, culminating around late afternoon when he drove Stokes through the covers for three runs which prompted the Adelaide faithful rose with a roar. Fresh from his virtuoso outing behind the stumps at the Gabba, his counterattacking 106 runs off 143 deliveries ensured that the mid-innings stumble to 94/4 failed to develop into a complete collapse. The 34-year-old is a serious Test match player nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left a few runs on the field, though. Absent was that excessive pace and bounce of the opening matches and in its place just a hint of nibble when the right area was located.

There was also a bit of grip to off-spinner Will Jacks, although his control was typical of a part-time spinner – hence figures of two for 105 off his 20 overs – and the balls that did to misbehave will encourage Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context with A Late Team Change.

This was always going to be an emotional day for Australia, arriving so soon after a devastating tragic incident in Bondi. The minute’s silence observed prior to the first ball was perfectly held, followed by folk singer a rendition performing an emotional rendition of 'True Blue'.

By this stage, Australia had also been forced into an alteration to their stated starting eleven. Steve Smith was withdrawn due to dizziness and sickness in the morning – seemingly return of the vertigo that has intermittently affected him since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his Test career could be finished. Before Carey's heroics, the left-hander had expertly held the Australian innings steady, coming to the crease at 33 for two and crafting a fine 82 off 126 deliveries just a day before turning 39. Stands of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 runs with Carey were significant.

The Tourist's Mixed Bag Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the energy-sapping heat, it remained still another disappointing day from England’s attack. Brydon Carse rather continued his inconsistent form of the series, finishing with two for 70 off 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 from 15 overs.

The Durham bowler was all over the shop when tasked with sharing the duty of the new ball early on, overstepping on five occasions but still removing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a sublime catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment encapsulated the day for both sides: brilliance mixed with periods of sloppy cricket.