Alex Carey's Brilliant Hundred Assists The Hosts Regroup After Early England Test Series Assault.

Following that frenzy of Perth and Brisbane's pink-ball spectacle, an outbreak of traditional brand regarding red-ball cricket was witnessed at Adelaide Oval. For the home crowd, the day proved a day to cherish, with their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman produced a magnificent century on his home turf as Australia the home side edge day one.

Not that England, 2-0 down while still fighting in the series, were entirely disappointed. Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like a crucial toss and, despite being not at their best, the English attack kept persevering under scorching heat. By the close of play, the Australians were 326 for eight off 83 overs bowled – runs on the board but surely short of initial expectations after captain Pat Cummins got the choice in the morning.

Jofra Archer Leads The Tourist's Fightback.

The standout among the tourists proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 from his 16 overs constituted a powerful answer against the criticism that came this past week. Here he visibly spearheaded the bowling unit, averaging 88mph (142kmh) on the speed gun while providing Stokes both accuracy and obvious menace. It was only towards the end of play – one over with the second new ball – did he look a bit jaded.

Having bounced out Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's initial over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. The all-rounder's duck served as a reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, coming from weak chip shot to mid-wicket occurring less than 24 hours following trousering a massive multi-million dollar contract in the IPL.

Carey's Invaluable Contribution Rescues The Ship.

Alex Carey's performance, in contrast, was simply priceless, peaking at 4.48pm as he drove Stokes through the covers for three which prompted the Adelaide faithful rose in a huge roar. Fresh from that masterful display behind the stumps at the Gabba, his aggressive 106 off 143 balls made sure that the mid-innings stumble of 94/4 failed to develop into a complete collapse. At 34, Carey is a serious cricketer nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup did leave a few potential runs on the field, though. Absent was the excessive bounce from the first two Tests replaced by just a hint of nibble when the right area was located.

There was also some turn to off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his consistency was typical of a part-time spinner – resulting in expensive figures of two for 105 off 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to turn sharply will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop with Late Switch.

This was always going to be an emotional occasion for the host nation, coming so soon in the wake of the horrific tragic incident at Bondi. A minute's silence prior to the start of play was immaculately held, followed by musician a rendition performing a stirring rendition of True Blue.

By this stage, the hosts were also compelled to make a change from their stated starting eleven. Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting dizziness along with nausea in the morning – seemingly return of the vertigo that has periodically troubled the star batter since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his Test career could be over. Before Carey's arrival, the left-hander had expertly held the Australian innings steady, coming to the crease with the score on 33/2 and finessing 82 off 126 balls a day out from his 39th birthday. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Alex Carey proved crucial.

The Tourist's Mixed Bag Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the energy-sapping conditions, this was yet another disappointing day for England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather continued his inconsistent form from the series, finishing with two for 70 from 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 in 15 overs.

Carse looked all over the shop when handed sharing the duty of the new ball early on, overstepping on five occasions but still dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley at cover. This moment encapsulated the day for both teams: moments of brilliance mixed with periods of error-prone cricket.