Alex Carey's Sparkling Century Assists Australia Regroup From Early English Ashes Assault.

Following that pandemonium from the Perth Test as well as Brisbane's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of traditional brand of Test cricket returned at the Adelaide ground. For the home crowd, it was a day to savour, with their boy Alex Carey delivered an outstanding century at his home turf to help the home side edge the opening day.

However, England, 2-0 down while still fighting in the contest, could be entirely disheartened. Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a crucial toss and, though not perfect, his bowlers continued plugging away under 35c conditions. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326-8 off 83 overs bowled – runs on the board but surely below initial expectations after captain Pat Cummins got the choice in the morning.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Resistance.

The most impressive performer for England was Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 off his 16 overs were a powerful answer against the scrutiny directed at him this past week. On this day he visibly spearheaded the attack, clocking 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer while providing his captain both accuracy and clear threat. It was only towards the end of the day – one over using the fresh cherry – that he appeared a bit weary.

Having dismissed opener Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's first over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. The all-rounder's duck served as a reminder that cricket can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, his tepid chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder occurring barely a day following trousering a record multi-million dollar deal in the Indian Premier League.

Carey's Priceless Contribution Steadies The Innings.

Carey's day, however, was nothing short of priceless, peaking at late afternoon as he elegantly drove Stokes through the covers for three runs which prompted the Adelaide faithful rose with a roar. Coming off his virtuoso display behind the stumps at the Gabba, the left-hander's aggressive 106 off 143 deliveries ensured that the post-lunch wobble of 94/4 failed to develop into a complete collapse. The 34-year-old has become a genuinely Test match player nowadays.

Australia did leave a few runs on the field, though. Absent was the pronounced pace and bounce of the opening matches replaced by only a fraction of nibble if a good length was hit.

There was also some grip for Will Jacks, even if 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 encourage Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Backdrop and Late Switch.

The day's play was always going to be a poignant occasion for the host nation, coming so soon after the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi. The minute’s silence observed before the first ball was immaculately observed, followed by musician John Williams performing a stirring version of True Blue.

Earlier, Australia were also forced into a change to their announced XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn due to dizziness along with nausea first thing – seemingly recurrence of the vertigo which has periodically troubled the star batter ever since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his international career may be finished. Until Carey's arrival, the left-hander had expertly held the innings steady, coming to the crease with the score on 33 for two and finessing a fine 82 from 126 balls a day out before his 39th birthday. Stands of 61 with Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Alex Carey were crucial.

The Tourist's Mixed Bag Continues.

Archer aside, and notwithstanding the energy-sapping heat, it remained still another frustrating outing from the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather rolled over his form from the first two Tests, picking up two for 70 off 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 in 15 overs.

Carse was erratic when tasked with sharing the new cherry early on, overstepping five times but still removing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley at cover. It rather encapsulated the day's play for both teams: brilliance mixed with some sloppy play.