Australia's Alex Carey's Stunning Hundred Assists Australia Regroup After An Early England Test Series Charge.

Following that pandemonium from the Perth Test as well as Brisbane's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of traditional style regarding the longest format broke out on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the delighted home crowd, it was one to enjoy, with local hero Alex Carey notched up an outstanding hundred at his home venue as Australia Australia edge day one.

Not that England, 2-0 down and clinging on in this contest, could be entirely disheartened. Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a crucial coin toss and, despite being not at their best, the English attack kept toiling under 35c heat. At stumps, the Australians had reached 326 for eight off 83 overs bowled – a total on the board but surely below their expectations after Pat Cummins won the choice in the morning.

The Pace of Archer Leads England's Effort.

The standout for the tourists proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 from his 16 overs were a powerful answer to some of scrutiny directed at him this past week. Here he visibly led the attack, clocking 88mph (142kph) on the speedometer while providing his captain a combination of control and obvious menace. It was only towards the end of play – during a single over using the second new ball – that he appeared somewhat jaded.

Having bounced out opener Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's first over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. The all-rounder's golden duck was a reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, his tepid chip shot to mid-wicket arriving barely a day after trousering a massive multi-million dollar contract in the Indian Premier League.

Carey's Invaluable Innings Rescues The Ship.

Carey's performance, in contrast, was simply priceless, culminating around 4.48pm as he drove Stokes through cover for three which prompted the crowd to rise in a huge roar. Fresh from that masterful display behind the stumps at the Gabba, his aggressive 106 off 143 deliveries ensured that a post-lunch wobble to 94/4 failed to develop into a complete collapse. The 34-year-old is a serious cricketer nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup did leave a few runs out there, though. Gone was that pronounced bounce from the opening matches and in its place only a fraction of seam movement when a good length was hit.

There was also some turn to Will Jacks, although his consistency was that of a part-timer – resulting in figures of two for 105 from 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to turn sharply will encourage Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Backdrop with A Late Switch.

This was inevitably a poignant occasion for Australia, coming so shortly after the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi. A minute's silence prior to the start of play was perfectly observed, followed by folk singer John Williams performing an emotional version of 'True Blue'.

By this stage, the hosts were also forced into a change to their stated XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn due to dizziness and nausea in the morning – seemingly return of a vertigo issue that has periodically troubled him ever since he was struck by Archer at Lord's six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his Test career may be finished. Until Carey's heroics, Khawaja had held the innings together, walking out with the score on 33/2 and finessing 82 from 126 deliveries a day out before turning 39. Stands of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 runs with Carey proved significant.

The Tourist's Frustration Continues.

Archer aside, and despite the sapping conditions, this was yet another frustrating outing from England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather rolled over his form of the first two Tests, picking up figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue picked up 1/63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked all over the shop when handed sharing the new ball first thing, overstepping five times but still removing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a sublime catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day's play for both teams: moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of sloppy play.