Australia's Alex Carey's Brilliant Century Assists The Hosts Regroup After Early English Ashes Assault.

Following that frenzy from Perth and the Gabba's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of traditional style of red-ball cricket was witnessed at Adelaide Oval. For the delighted South Australian fans, the day proved a day to savour, as their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up a magnificent century on his home turf to help Australia just shade day one.

However, England, trailing 2-0 while still fighting in this contest, were entirely disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a significant coin toss and, though not at their best, the English attack continued toiling in scorching conditions. At stumps, the Australians were 326 for eight from 83 overs – runs on the board yet likely below their ambitions after captain Pat Cummins got the toss in the morning.

Jofra Archer Leads The Tourist's Fightback.

The standout for England was speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 from 16 overs constituted a strong riposte to some of scrutiny directed at him this past week. Here he clearly spearheaded the attack, clocking 88mph (142kph) on the speed gun while providing Stokes a combination of accuracy together with clear threat. It was only towards the very end of play – one over using the second new ball – that he appeared a bit jaded.

After dismissed opener Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's initial over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three balls. Green's duck served as a reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip to mid-wicket arriving less than a day after trousering a massive multi-million dollar deal in the IPL.

The Keeper's Invaluable Innings Rescues The Ship.

Alex Carey's performance, in contrast, was nothing short of priceless, culminating at 4.48pm as he drove Stokes through cover for three runs which prompted the Adelaide faithful rose in a huge roar. Fresh from his masterful display with the gloves at the Gabba, his counterattacking 106 runs from 143 deliveries made sure that the post-lunch wobble of 94 for four failed to develop into a complete collapse. The 34-year-old has become a serious cricketer nowadays.

Australia undoubtedly left a few potential runs out there, though. Gone was that excessive bounce from the first two Tests and in its place only a fraction of seam movement if the right area was located.

The pitch also offered some grip for off-spinner Will Jacks, although his consistency was typical of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of 2/105 from 20 overs – and the balls he did get to turn sharply will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Context with A Late Team Change.

The day's play was inevitably an emotional day for Australia, coming so shortly in the wake of a devastating tragic incident at Bondi. The minute’s silence prior to the first ball was immaculately held, broken only by folk singer John Williams performing an emotional rendition of True Blue.

Earlier, the hosts were also forced into a change from their announced XI. Steve Smith pulled out after reporting dizziness along with sickness first thing – an apparent recurrence of the vertigo that has periodically troubled him ever since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his Test career could be over. Until the wicketkeeper's arrival, Khawaja had held the innings together, coming to the crease at 33 for two before finessing a fine 82 from 126 balls just a day before his 39th birthday. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Labuschagne and 91 runs with Carey proved significant.

England's Mixed Bag Persists.

Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping heat, it remained still another frustrating outing from England’s attack. Brydon Carse rather rolled over his form of the first two Tests, picking up figures of 2/70 from his 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue picked up 1/63 in 15 overs.

Carse looked erratic when handed sharing the duty of the new ball early on, overstepping five times but still dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a sublime catch by Zak Crawley at cover. This moment encapsulated the day's play for both sides: moments of brilliance interspersed with some sloppy cricket.