Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Aids The Baggy Greens Regroup After An Early English Test Series Assault.

Following that pandemonium of the Perth Test as well as Brisbane's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of traditional style regarding the longest format broke out at the Adelaide ground. For the delighted locals, the day proved a day to savour, as homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up an outstanding hundred on his home venue to help Australia just shade day one.

Not that The touring English side, trailing 2-0 while clinging on in this series, could be too downbeat. Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like a significant toss and, though far from perfect, the English attack continued persevering under sweltering conditions. At stumps, Australia were 326-8 from 83 overs bowled – a total on the board yet likely below their ambitions after captain Pat Cummins won the toss in the morning.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Effort.

The most impressive performer for England was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 off 16 overs were a strong riposte against some of criticism that came his way. On this day he clearly spearheaded the bowling unit, clocking around 88mph (142kph) on the speed gun while providing Stokes a combination of accuracy together with obvious threat. It was only towards the end of the day – during a single over with the second new ball – that he appeared a bit jaded.

After bounced out opener Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's initial over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three balls. The all-rounder's golden duck served as a stark reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring a player back to reality, coming from weak chip to the mid-wicket fielder arriving less than a day after trousering a massive £1.5m deal in the IPL.

The Keeper's Priceless Innings Rescues The Innings.

Carey's day, in contrast, was nothing short of invaluable, culminating around 4.48pm when he drove Ben Stokes through cover for three runs which prompted the crowd to rise with a roar. Coming off his masterful display with the gloves in Brisbane, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 runs off 143 balls made sure that the post-lunch wobble to 94 for four did not become a complete crisis. The 34-year-old has become a serious Test match player these days.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left a few runs out there, though. Gone was that pronounced bounce from the first two Tests and in its place only a fraction of seam movement when a good length was hit.

There was also some turn to off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his consistency was typical of a part-timer – hence expensive figures of two for 105 from 20 overs – and the balls that did to misbehave will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop and Late Switch.

The day's play was inevitably an emotional occasion for Australia, arriving so shortly after a devastating tragic incident at Bondi. The minute’s silence prior to the first ball was immaculately observed, followed by folk singer a rendition performing a stirring version of True Blue.

By this stage, the hosts were also forced into a change from their stated XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting dizziness along with sickness in the morning – seemingly recurrence of the vertigo that has periodically troubled him ever since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his Test career may be finished. Before Carey's heroics, the left-hander had expertly held the innings together, coming to the crease at 33 for two before crafting 82 off 126 deliveries a day out from turning 39. Stands worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Alex Carey proved significant.

The Tourist's Frustration Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the energy-sapping heat, this was still another disappointing outing for the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat continued his inconsistent form of the first two Tests, finishing with two for 70 off his 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked erratic when tasked with sharing the new ball early on, no-balling on five occasions but still dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a sublime catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day for both sides: brilliance interspersed with some sloppy play.