Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Helps The Baggy Greens Bounce Back From An Early English Test Series Assault.

In the wake of the chaos from the Perth Test and the Gabba's pink-ball palooza, an outbreak of traditional brand regarding Test cricket was witnessed on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the delighted locals, the day proved one to cherish, as local hero Alex Carey delivered a magnificent hundred at his home ground as Australia Australia just shade the opening day.

Not that England, 2-0 down and clinging on in the series, could be entirely downbeat. Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a significant toss and, though not at their best, his bowlers continued persevering in 35c conditions. By the close of play, Australia were 326-8 off 83 overs – a total on the board but surely below their ambitions after captain Pat Cummins won the choice in the morning.

Jofra Archer Leads England's Effort.

The most impressive performer for the tourists proved to be Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 off 16 overs constituted a strong riposte against the scrutiny that came this past week. On this day he clearly spearheaded the bowling unit, clocking around 88mph (142kmh) on the speed gun while providing Stokes a combination of control together with clear menace. Only at the end of play – during a single over with the fresh cherry – did he look somewhat weary.

Having dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three balls. The all-rounder's duck served as a stark reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip shot to mid-wicket arriving barely 24 hours following securing a massive multi-million dollar deal for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

Carey's Invaluable Contribution Steadies The Innings.

Carey's performance, in contrast, was simply invaluable, culminating at 4.48pm when he elegantly drove Stokes through cover for three and the crowd rose with a roar. Fresh from his virtuoso display behind the stumps in Brisbane, his counterattacking 106 runs from 143 balls made sure that a mid-innings stumble of 94 for four failed to develop into a full-blown crisis. The 34-year-old has become a genuinely cricketer nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup did leave a few potential runs on the field, though. Gone was the excessive bounce of the first two Tests replaced by just a hint of seam movement when the right area was located.

The pitch also offered a bit of turn to off-spinner Will Jacks, although his consistency was typical of a part-time spinner – hence figures of 2/105 from 20 overs – and the balls that did to misbehave will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Backdrop with Late Team Change.

The day's play was always going to be a poignant occasion for the host nation, coming so shortly in the wake of a devastating terrorist attack at Bondi. A minute's silence observed prior to the start of play was perfectly observed, followed by musician a rendition delivering an emotional rendition of the anthem 'True Blue'.

By this stage, Australia were also forced into a change from their stated starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn due to feeling dizzy along with nausea first thing – seemingly return of the vertigo that has intermittently affected him since being felled by Archer at Lord's six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his Test career could be finished. Until the wicketkeeper's heroics, Khawaja had expertly held the Australian innings together, coming to the crease at 33/2 and crafting a fine 82 from 126 balls just a day from turning 39. Stands of 61 with Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Alex Carey proved significant.

England's Mixed Bag Persists.

Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping heat, this was still another disappointing day for England’s attack. Brydon Carse somewhat continued his form from the first two Tests, picking up figures of 2/70 off 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 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 just 10 runs thanks to a sublime one-handed catch from Zak Crawley at cover. This moment summed up the day's play for both sides: brilliance interspersed with periods of sloppy play.