Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Assists The Hosts Bounce Back After An Early English Ashes Charge.

After the pandemonium of Perth as well as Brisbane's day-night spectacle, a more traditional brand regarding the longest format was witnessed at the Adelaide ground. For the South Australian fans, it was a day to savour, as their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman delivered an outstanding hundred on his home venue to help the home side edge the opening day.

Not that The touring English side, trailing 2-0 and still fighting in this series, could be too downbeat. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a crucial toss and, though not perfect, his bowlers kept toiling under sweltering heat. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326 for eight off 83 overs bowled – a total on the board yet likely below initial expectations when Pat Cummins won the toss in the morning.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Effort.

The standout for England was speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 from his 16 overs were a powerful answer to the scrutiny that came this past week. Here he visibly led the attack, averaging 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun while providing Stokes both control and obvious threat. It was only towards the end of the day – during a single over with the second new ball – did he look a bit weary.

After dismissed opener Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's first over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. Green's duck was a reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip shot to mid-wicket occurring less than a day after trousering a massive £1.5m contract for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Invaluable Contribution Rescues The Ship.

Alex Carey's day, however, was nothing short of invaluable, peaking at late afternoon when he drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three which prompted the crowd rose in a huge roar. Fresh from that virtuoso outing with the gloves in Brisbane, his aggressive 106 from 143 balls made sure that the mid-innings stumble of 94/4 did not become a full-blown collapse. The 34-year-old is a serious cricketer these days.

Australia undoubtedly left a few potential runs out there, however. Absent was that pronounced pace and bounce of the first two Tests replaced by just a hint of seam movement when 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 – resulting in figures of two for 105 off his 20 overs – and the balls he did get to turn sharply will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context with Late Switch.

This was always going to be an emotional occasion for the host nation, arriving so shortly after the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi. The minute’s silence observed prior to the first ball was perfectly observed, followed by musician John Williams delivering an emotional version of the anthem 'True Blue'.

By this stage, Australia were also compelled to make an alteration to their stated XI. Steve Smith pulled out due to dizziness and sickness first thing – seemingly return of the vertigo that has periodically troubled him since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his Test career may be finished. Until the wicketkeeper's heroics, the left-hander had expertly held the Australian innings steady, walking out at 33/2 before crafting 82 off 126 deliveries just a day before turning 39. Stands of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 with Carey were crucial.

The Tourist's Mixed Bag Persists.

Archer aside, and despite the sapping heat, this was yet another disappointing day from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse rather rolled over his inconsistent form from the series, picking up two for 70 from 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked all over the shop when tasked with sharing the duty of the new ball first thing, no-balling five times but still removing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley at cover. It rather encapsulated the day's play for both teams: moments of brilliance mixed with periods of sloppy play.