Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Sparkling Century Helps The Baggy Greens Recover After An Early England Test Series Onslaught.

In the wake of the frenzy of Perth as well as Brisbane's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of traditional style of Test cricket returned at the Adelaide ground. For the locals, it was one to cherish, with local hero the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up a magnificent century at his home ground to help the home side just shade day one.

However, England, trailing 2-0 while clinging on in this series, could be too disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like an ominous toss and, despite being not perfect, his bowlers continued persevering in scorching heat. By the close of play, the Australians were 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – a total on the board yet likely below initial expectations after Pat Cummins got the choice first thing.

Jofra Archer Leads England's Resistance.

The standout for the tourists proved to be Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 off his 16 overs constituted a strong riposte to some of criticism directed at him his way. Here he visibly led the bowling unit, averaging around 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer and offering his captain both control and clear menace. Only at the very end of the day – during a single over with the second new ball – did he look a bit weary.

Having dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's initial over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three balls. The all-rounder's duck served as a reminder that cricket can bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, coming from weak chip to the mid-wicket fielder arriving less than a day following securing a record multi-million dollar contract in the Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Priceless Contribution Rescues The Innings.

Alex Carey's day, in contrast, was simply priceless, culminating at late afternoon as he drove Stokes through cover for three runs and the Adelaide faithful to rise in a huge roar. Coming off that virtuoso display behind the stumps in Brisbane, the left-hander's aggressive 106 off 143 balls made sure that the mid-innings stumble to 94/4 failed to develop into a complete crisis. The 34-year-old has become a genuinely cricketer nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left a few runs out there, though. Gone was that pronounced pace and bounce from the opening matches and in its place just a hint of nibble when the right area was located.

The pitch also offered a bit of turn for off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-time spinner – hence expensive figures of two for 105 from his 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to misbehave will encourage Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Backdrop with A Late Switch.

The day's play was inevitably an emotional occasion for the host nation, arriving so soon after the horrific tragic incident at Bondi. A minute's silence before the start of play was immaculately observed, followed by musician John Williams delivering a stirring version of True Blue.

Earlier, Australia had also been compelled to make an alteration to their stated starting eleven. Steve Smith pulled out after reporting dizziness and nausea first thing – an apparent return of a vertigo issue that has periodically troubled him since being felled by Archer at Lord's years back.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his international career may be over. Until Carey's heroics, the left-hander had expertly held the Australian innings together, coming to the crease with the score on 33/2 before finessing a fine 82 from 126 deliveries a day out before his 39th birthday. Stands worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 runs with Alex Carey proved crucial.

England's Frustration Continues.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, this was still another frustrating outing from the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat continued his form from the first two Tests, finishing with figures of 2/70 from his 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 from 15 overs.

Carse was all over the shop when tasked with sharing the new cherry first thing, no-balling on five occasions yet removing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a spectacular catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather encapsulated the day's play for both teams: moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of error-prone play.