Australia's Alex Carey's Sparkling Century Assists Australia Bounce Back After A Swift English Ashes Assault.

In the wake of the chaos of Perth and Brisbane's day-night palooza, an outbreak of traditional style of Test cricket returned at Adelaide Oval. For the delighted South Australian fans, it was a day to cherish, with their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up a magnificent century at his home ground to help Australia edge the opening day.

Not that The touring English side, trailing 2-0 while clinging on in this contest, could be too disheartened. Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a significant coin toss and, though not perfect, the English attack continued plugging away under sweltering heat. At stumps, the Australians had reached 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – a total on the board yet likely short of their expectations when captain Pat Cummins won the choice in the morning.

The Pace of Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Fightback.

The most impressive performer for the tourists was speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 off his 16 overs were a strong response against the criticism that came his way. Here he clearly led the attack, clocking around 88mph (142kph) on the speedometer while providing Stokes a combination of control and obvious threat. Only at the very end of play – during a single over with the fresh cherry – that he appeared a bit weary.

After dismissed Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. Green's golden duck was a stark reminder of how this sport can bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, his tepid chip to the mid-wicket fielder occurring less than 24 hours following trousering a record multi-million dollar deal for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

Carey's Invaluable Innings Steadies The Innings.

Alex Carey's performance, in contrast, was nothing short of priceless, culminating around late afternoon when he drove Stokes through the covers for three which prompted the Adelaide faithful rose with a roar. Fresh from that masterful display with the gloves at the Gabba, his aggressive 106 runs off 143 balls made sure that a mid-innings stumble of 94/4 failed to develop into a complete crisis. The 34-year-old is a genuinely cricketer these days.

The Australian batting lineup did leave a few runs out there, however. Absent was the pronounced bounce from the opening matches and in its place just a hint of nibble if the right area was hit.

There was also a bit of turn for Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-time spinner – hence figures of 2/105 from his 20 overs – and the balls that did to turn sharply will encourage Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop and Late Team Change.

The day's play was always going to be a poignant occasion for the host nation, coming so soon in the wake of a devastating tragic incident at Bondi. The minute’s silence before the first ball was immaculately observed, followed by musician a rendition performing a stirring rendition of True Blue.

Earlier, the hosts had also been forced into an alteration to their stated starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting dizziness along with sickness first thing – seemingly return of a vertigo issue which has periodically affected him since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his international career may be finished. Before the wicketkeeper's heroics, Khawaja had expertly held the innings together, walking out with the score on 33/2 and finessing a fine 82 from 126 balls just a day from turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Carey proved significant.

The Tourist's Frustration Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the sapping conditions, this was still another disappointing outing from the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather continued his form of the series, picking up figures of 2/70 from 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked all over the shop when tasked with sharing the duty of the new ball first thing, no-balling five times yet removing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a spectacular catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day for both sides: moments of brilliance mixed with some sloppy play.