Australia's Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Helps Australia Regroup From An Early English Test Series Charge.

In the wake of that chaos of the Perth Test and Brisbane's pink-ball palooza, a more traditional brand of Test cricket broke out at the Adelaide ground. For the delighted home crowd, it was one to cherish, as homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up a magnificent century on his home turf as Australia Australia edge day one.

Not that England, 2-0 down while clinging on in the series, could be entirely disappointed. Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like a crucial coin toss and, though not at their best, his bowlers continued persevering under sweltering heat. At stumps, Australia were 326 for eight from 83 overs – a total on the board yet likely below initial ambitions after captain Pat Cummins got the toss in the morning.

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

The most impressive performer for England proved to be Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 off 16 overs constituted a powerful riposte to some of scrutiny that came this past week. On this day he visibly led the bowling unit, clocking 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun while providing Stokes a combination of control and clear menace. It was only towards the very end of the day – one over using the fresh cherry – did he look somewhat jaded.

After bounced out Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's initial over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three balls. The all-rounder's golden duck was a stark reminder that this sport can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, his tepid chip shot to mid-wicket occurring barely a day following securing a massive multi-million dollar contract in the Indian Premier League.

Carey's Priceless Contribution Steadies The Innings.

Alex Carey's performance, however, was simply invaluable, peaking at late afternoon as he drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three runs which prompted the crowd rose in a huge roar. Fresh from that masterful display with the gloves in Brisbane, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 off 143 balls ensured that a post-lunch wobble to 94/4 failed to develop into a full-blown collapse. The 34-year-old has become a genuinely Test match player nowadays.

Australia undoubtedly left some runs out there, though. Gone was the pronounced bounce of the opening matches and in its place just a hint of nibble if a good length was hit.

The pitch also offered a bit of grip to off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his consistency was typical of a part-time spinner – hence figures of two for 105 from 20 overs – and the balls that did to misbehave will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Context and A Late Team Change.

This was always going to be a poignant day for Australia, arriving so shortly in the wake of a devastating terrorist attack in Bondi. A minute's silence observed prior to the first ball was immaculately held, broken only by musician a rendition delivering an emotional version of True Blue.

By this stage, Australia had also been compelled to make an alteration from their announced starting eleven. Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting dizziness and sickness in the morning – seemingly recurrence of a vertigo issue that has intermittently affected the star batter since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his Test career may be finished. Before Carey's heroics, the left-hander had expertly held the innings steady, coming to the crease with the score on 33/2 before crafting 82 from 126 deliveries a day out before his 39th birthday. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Labuschagne and 91 with Alex Carey were crucial.

England's Mixed Bag Continues.

Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping conditions, this was still another frustrating day from England’s attack. Brydon Carse rather continued his form from the first two Tests, picking up two for 70 from his 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 from 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked all over the shop when handed sharing the new cherry first thing, no-balling five times but still removing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a sublime catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day for both teams: brilliance interspersed with some error-prone play.