Alex Carey's Stunning Hundred Helps The Baggy Greens Recover After A Swift England Ashes Assault.

After that chaos of the Perth Test as well as Brisbane's pink-ball spectacle, an outbreak of traditional style regarding Test cricket returned on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the home crowd, it was one to cherish, with homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up a magnificent century at his home venue to help Australia edge day one.

Not that The touring English side, 2-0 down and still fighting in the series, could be entirely disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like an ominous toss and, though far from perfect, his bowlers continued persevering in 35c heat. At stumps, Australia had reached 326-8 from 83 overs bowled – runs on the board yet likely below their expectations after captain Pat Cummins got the toss in the morning.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Effort.

The most impressive performer among England proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 off his 16 overs constituted a powerful response against the scrutiny that came this past week. On this day he visibly led the attack, clocking 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer while providing his captain both accuracy together with clear threat. Only at the end of play – during a single over using the fresh cherry – that he appeared a bit weary.

After bounced out opener Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's initial over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three balls. Green's golden duck served as a reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder occurring less than 24 hours after securing a massive multi-million dollar contract in the IPL.

Carey's Invaluable Innings Steadies The Ship.

Alex Carey's performance, however, was simply priceless, peaking at late afternoon when he elegantly drove Stokes through the covers for three runs which prompted the Adelaide faithful rose with a roar. Coming off that masterful outing behind the stumps in Brisbane, the left-hander's aggressive 106 off 143 deliveries made sure that a post-lunch wobble to 94/4 did not become a complete collapse. At 34, Carey has become a genuinely cricketer nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left some 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.

There was also a bit of turn to Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of two for 105 from 20 overs – and the balls that did to turn sharply will encourage Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop with A Late Team Change.

The day's play was always going to be an emotional occasion for the host nation, coming so soon in the wake of the horrific tragic incident in Bondi. The minute’s silence observed prior to the start of play was perfectly observed, followed by musician John Williams delivering an emotional rendition of 'True Blue'.

Earlier, the hosts were also forced into an alteration from their announced XI. Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting feeling dizzy along with sickness in the morning – seemingly return of the vertigo which has intermittently troubled him ever since being felled by Archer at Lord’s years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his Test career could be finished. Before Carey's arrival, the left-hander had held the Australian innings steady, coming to the crease at 33/2 before finessing a fine 82 from 126 deliveries a day out before turning 39. Stands worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 with Carey proved significant.

The Tourist's Frustration Continues.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, it remained yet another frustrating day for England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his inconsistent form from the first two Tests, finishing with figures of 2/70 from his 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 from 15 overs.

Carse was erratic when tasked with sharing the new ball early on, overstepping on five occasions but still removing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a sublime one-handed catch from Zak Crawley at cover. It rather encapsulated the day's play for both sides: brilliance mixed with some error-prone play.