Alex Carey's Brilliant Century Assists The Baggy Greens Regroup After A Swift English Test Series Onslaught.

Following that chaos of Perth and the Gabba's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of traditional style of the longest format returned at the Adelaide ground. For the South Australian fans, the day proved a day to cherish, with homegrown talent Alex Carey notched up an outstanding hundred on his home turf as Australia the home side edge the opening day.

Not that The touring English side, trailing 2-0 and still fighting in this series, could be entirely downbeat. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a crucial coin toss and, though not perfect, his bowlers continued plugging away in 35c conditions. At stumps, the Australians were 326-8 off 83 overs – a total on the board but surely below their ambitions after Pat Cummins won the choice first thing.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Effort.

The standout among England proved to be Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 from his 16 overs were a strong answer to some of scrutiny directed at him his way. Here he clearly led the attack, averaging 88mph (142kph) on the speedometer and offering his captain both accuracy together with obvious menace. Only at the end of the day – one over using the second new ball – that he appeared somewhat jaded.

Having dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's first over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three deliveries. Green's golden duck was a reminder of how cricket can swiftly bring a player back to reality, coming from tepid chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder occurring barely a day after trousering a massive multi-million dollar deal in the Indian Premier League.

Carey's Priceless Innings Rescues The Ship.

Alex Carey's performance, in contrast, was simply invaluable, peaking around late afternoon when he drove Stokes through cover for three runs and the Adelaide faithful to rise in a huge roar. Coming off that virtuoso display with the gloves at the Gabba, his aggressive 106 off 143 balls made sure that a post-lunch wobble of 94/4 did not become a full-blown collapse. At 34, Carey is a serious cricketer nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup did leave a few runs on the field, however. Gone was the excessive bounce of the opening matches replaced by just a hint of nibble when a good length was hit.

The pitch also offered a bit of grip to off-spinner Will Jacks, although his consistency was that of a part-time spinner – hence figures of 2/105 off 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to turn sharply will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop and Late Switch.

This was always going to be an emotional occasion for the host nation, arriving so soon after a devastating tragic incident at Bondi. A minute's silence observed prior to the start of play was perfectly held, broken only by folk singer John Williams performing a stirring rendition of the anthem 'True Blue'.

Earlier, the hosts had also been compelled to make an alteration from their announced XI. Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting feeling dizzy along with sickness first thing – seemingly recurrence of a vertigo issue which has intermittently troubled the star batter since being felled by Archer at Lord’s six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his Test career may be finished. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, the left-hander had expertly held the Australian innings steady, walking out with the score on 33/2 before crafting 82 off 126 balls a day out from turning 39. Stands worth 61 runs with Labuschagne and 91 runs with Carey proved significant.

The Tourist's Frustration Continues.

Archer aside, and despite the sapping conditions, it remained yet another disappointing day from England’s attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his form of the first two Tests, picking up figures of 2/70 from 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked erratic when tasked with sharing the duty of the new cherry early on, overstepping five times yet dismissing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a sublime one-handed catch from Zak Crawley at cover. This moment encapsulated the day for both sides: brilliance interspersed with periods of error-prone play.