Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Sparkling Century Aids Australia Recover From An Early England Ashes Charge.

In the wake of the frenzy of the Perth Test as well as the Gabba's pink-ball spectacle, a more familiar brand regarding Test cricket broke out at the Adelaide ground. For the delighted South Australian fans, it was one to cherish, as their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up a magnificent hundred at his home venue as Australia the home side just shade the first day's play.

However, England, trailing 2-0 while clinging on in the series, could be entirely disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a crucial toss and, though not perfect, his bowlers kept plugging away in scorching conditions. By the close of play, Australia were 326-8 from 83 overs – runs on the board yet likely short of their ambitions when captain Pat Cummins got the choice first thing.

The Pace of Archer Stands Out For England's Effort.

The standout among the tourists proved to be Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 off his 16 overs were a strong riposte to the scrutiny directed at him his way. Here he visibly led the bowling unit, clocking around 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer and offering Stokes a combination of control and obvious threat. Only at the very end of play – during a single over with the second new ball – did he look somewhat jaded.

Having dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's first over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three balls. The all-rounder's golden duck served as a stark reminder that cricket can swiftly bring a player back to reality, his tepid chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder arriving barely 24 hours after securing a massive multi-million dollar contract in the IPL.

Carey's Priceless Innings Rescues The Ship.

Carey's performance, in contrast, was simply priceless, peaking around 4.48pm when he drove Ben Stokes through cover for three runs which prompted the Adelaide faithful rose in a huge roar. Fresh from that masterful outing with the gloves at the Gabba, his aggressive 106 off 143 balls ensured that the mid-innings stumble to 94 for four failed to develop into a full-blown collapse. The 34-year-old is a serious cricketer these days.

The Australian batting lineup did leave some potential runs on the field, though. Absent was that excessive bounce from the opening matches and in its place only a fraction of seam movement when the right area was hit.

The pitch also offered a bit of turn to off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his consistency was that of a part-time spinner – hence expensive figures of two for 105 off his 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to turn sharply will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context with A Late Team Change.

This was inevitably an emotional occasion for the host nation, coming so shortly after a devastating terrorist attack in Bondi. The minute’s silence observed prior to the start of play was immaculately held, broken only by folk singer John Williams delivering a stirring version of the anthem 'True Blue'.

Earlier, the hosts had also been compelled to make a change from their stated XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out due to dizziness and nausea in the morning – seemingly recurrence of the vertigo which has periodically troubled him ever since he was struck by Archer at Lord’s years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his Test career could be over. Before the wicketkeeper's heroics, the left-hander had held the innings together, walking out at 33/2 and finessing 82 off 126 balls a day out from turning 39. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Carey were significant.

England's Frustration Continues.

Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping conditions, this was yet another frustrating outing for England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather rolled over his inconsistent form from the series, finishing with figures of 2/70 from 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue picked up 1/63 from 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked erratic when tasked with sharing the duty of the new ball early on, no-balling five times but still dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley at cover. This moment summed up the day for both teams: moments of brilliance interspersed with some error-prone play.