Alex Carey's Stunning Hundred Aids Australia Recover From Early English Test Series Charge.

Following that pandemonium from Perth and Brisbane's pink-ball palooza, a more traditional brand of red-ball cricket was witnessed on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the locals, it was a day to savour, with their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman produced a magnificent century on his home turf as Australia the home side edge day one.

However, England, 2-0 down while still fighting in this contest, could be too disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a crucial toss and, though not perfect, the English attack kept toiling under 35c heat. At stumps, Australia had reached 326-8 off 83 overs bowled – runs on the board yet likely short of their expectations after Pat Cummins won the choice first thing.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Effort.

The most impressive performer for England proved to be Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 from 16 overs were a strong riposte to the scrutiny that came this past week. Here he clearly led the attack, averaging 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun while providing his captain both control together with obvious menace. It was only towards the very end of the day – one over with the fresh cherry – that he appeared somewhat jaded.

After dismissed opener Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three balls. Green's duck was a stark reminder that cricket can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back to reality, his weak chip shot to mid-wicket occurring barely 24 hours following securing a record multi-million dollar deal in the IPL.

Carey's Priceless Innings Steadies The Ship.

Carey's day, however, was simply priceless, peaking around 4.48pm when he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three runs which prompted the crowd rose with a roar. Fresh from his virtuoso display behind the stumps at the Gabba, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 off 143 balls ensured that the post-lunch wobble to 94 for four did not become a full-blown crisis. At 34, Carey is a serious cricketer nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left a few runs on the field, though. Gone was the excessive bounce from the opening matches and in its place just a hint of seam movement if the right area was hit.

There was also some grip to Will Jacks, although his control was typical of a part-timer – hence expensive figures of two for 105 from 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to turn sharply will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Context and A Late Team Change.

The day's play was always going to be a poignant occasion for Australia, coming so soon after the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi. A minute's silence observed prior to the first ball was perfectly observed, followed by musician a rendition delivering a stirring rendition of 'True Blue'.

Earlier, Australia were also compelled to make an alteration from their stated XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out after reporting dizziness and sickness first thing – seemingly return of the vertigo which has periodically troubled the star batter ever since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his Test career could be finished. Before Carey's arrival, Khawaja had expertly held the innings together, walking out with the score on 33 for two before finessing a fine 82 off 126 deliveries a day out before his 39th birthday. Stands worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 runs with Alex Carey proved significant.

The Tourist's Mixed Bag Continues.

Archer aside, and despite the sapping conditions, it remained still another disappointing outing from the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat continued his inconsistent form from the series, picking up figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 in 15 overs.

Carse was all over the shop when tasked with sharing the duty of the new ball early on, no-balling five times yet removing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather summed up the day for both teams: brilliance interspersed with some error-prone cricket.