Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Aids The Baggy Greens Bounce Back From A Swift English Test Series Charge.

After that chaos of Perth as well as the Gabba's pink-ball spectacle, an outbreak of traditional style of Test cricket was witnessed on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the locals, the day proved a day to enjoy, as their boy Alex Carey produced a magnificent century on his home venue to help the home side edge the opening day.

However, England, trailing 2-0 and still fighting in the contest, could be too downbeat. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a crucial coin toss and, despite being not perfect, his bowlers continued persevering in sweltering heat. At stumps, Australia had reached 326-8 off 83 overs bowled – a total on the board yet likely short of initial ambitions when Pat Cummins won the choice first thing.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Effort.

The most impressive performer among the tourists proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 from his 16 overs constituted a strong response against some of criticism that came this past week. On this day he visibly led the attack, averaging 88mph (142kph) with the speedometer and offering his captain a combination of accuracy and clear menace. It was only towards the very end of play – one over using the fresh cherry – did he look somewhat jaded.

After dismissed opener Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's first over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three deliveries. The all-rounder's golden duck served as a reminder of how this sport can bring a player back down to earth, coming from weak chip to the mid-wicket fielder arriving barely a day after securing a massive £1.5m deal for the upcoming IPL.

The Keeper's Priceless Innings Steadies The Innings.

Carey's day, however, was nothing short of invaluable, peaking around 4.48pm when he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three which prompted the Adelaide faithful to rise in a huge roar. Coming off his virtuoso outing with the gloves in Brisbane, the left-hander's aggressive 106 runs off 143 balls made sure that the post-lunch wobble of 94 for four failed to develop into a complete crisis. At 34, Carey has become a serious cricketer these days.

Australia did leave some runs on the field, though. Gone was that excessive pace and bounce from the opening matches replaced by just a hint of seam movement if a good length was located.

There was also some grip to Will Jacks, although his control was typical of a part-time spinner – hence expensive figures of 2/105 off his 20 overs – and the balls that did to misbehave will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context and A Late Team Change.

The day's play was inevitably a poignant day for the host nation, coming so soon after a devastating tragic incident in Bondi. A minute's silence observed before the start of play was immaculately observed, broken only by musician John Williams performing an emotional version of the anthem 'True Blue'.

By this stage, the hosts were also forced into a change from their announced starting eleven. Steve Smith pulled out after reporting dizziness and nausea in the morning – seemingly recurrence of the vertigo that has intermittently affected him since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his international career may be finished. Until the wicketkeeper's arrival, the left-hander had held the Australian innings steady, walking out with the score on 33/2 before finessing a fine 82 off 126 balls just a day from turning 39. Stands worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Alex Carey proved significant.

The Tourist's Frustration Continues.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the energy-sapping heat, this was yet another frustrating day for the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse rather rolled over his form of the series, finishing with two for 70 from his 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 in 15 overs.

Carse was erratic when tasked with sharing the duty of the new cherry early on, no-balling on five occasions yet removing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a sublime one-handed catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment encapsulated the day's play for both teams: moments of brilliance interspersed with some sloppy play.