Australia's Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Helps The Hosts Regroup From An Early England Test Series Onslaught.

After the chaos from Perth and Brisbane's pink-ball palooza, a more familiar brand of the longest format was witnessed at the Adelaide ground. For the locals, it was one to enjoy, with homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman produced a sparkling hundred at his home turf as Australia Australia edge the first day's play.

However, England, trailing 2-0 while clinging on in the contest, were too disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a crucial coin toss and, despite being not at their best, his bowlers kept plugging away under scorching heat. At stumps, the Australians had reached 326 for eight off 83 overs – a total on the board but surely short of initial expectations when captain Pat Cummins got the choice in the morning.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Resistance.

The most impressive performer for the tourists was speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 off his 16 overs constituted a powerful riposte against the scrutiny that came his way. On this day he visibly led the bowling unit, clocking 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer while providing Stokes a combination of accuracy together with clear menace. It was only towards the very end of play – during a single over using the second new ball – that he appeared somewhat weary.

Having dismissed opener Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's first over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three deliveries. Green's duck was a reminder of how cricket can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, his weak chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder occurring barely a day following securing a massive multi-million dollar deal in the Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Invaluable Contribution Rescues The Ship.

Carey's performance, however, was nothing short of priceless, culminating at 4.48pm when he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three runs and the crowd to rise with a roar. Coming off that masterful outing behind the stumps in Brisbane, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 runs from 143 balls made sure that the mid-innings stumble of 94/4 failed to develop into a complete collapse. At 34, Carey has become a genuinely Test match player nowadays.

Australia did leave some runs on the field, however. Gone was the pronounced pace and bounce from the opening matches and in its place only a fraction of nibble when a good length was hit.

There was also some turn to Will Jacks, although his control was typical of a part-timer – hence figures of 2/105 off his 20 overs – and the balls he did get to turn sharply 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 the horrific tragic incident in Bondi. A minute's silence observed before the start of play was immaculately held, followed by musician a rendition delivering a stirring rendition of the anthem 'True Blue'.

By this stage, Australia had also been forced into a change to their stated starting eleven. Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting dizziness and sickness first thing – an apparent return of the vertigo which has periodically affected the star batter since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his Test career may be over. Until Carey's arrival, Khawaja had expertly held the innings steady, coming to the crease with the score on 33 for two before finessing a fine 82 from 126 balls a day out before turning 39. Stands worth 61 runs with Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Carey proved crucial.

The Tourist's Frustration Continues.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the sapping conditions, it remained still another frustrating day from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse rather rolled over his form of the series, finishing with two for 70 off 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked erratic when handed sharing the new cherry first thing, no-balling five times yet dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a sublime one-handed catch from Zak Crawley at cover. It rather encapsulated the day for both teams: brilliance mixed with periods of error-prone cricket.