Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Helps The Hosts Bounce Back After A Swift England Test Series Charge.

After that pandemonium of the Perth Test and the Gabba's day-night palooza, an outbreak of familiar style regarding the longest format broke out at Adelaide Oval. For the home crowd, the day proved one to savour, with their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman delivered an outstanding century on his home turf as Australia the home side edge day one.

Not that England, 2-0 down and still fighting in the series, were entirely disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a crucial coin toss and, despite being not perfect, his bowlers continued persevering in scorching heat. By the close of play, the Australians were 326-8 off 83 overs bowled – a total on the board yet likely short of initial expectations after captain Pat Cummins won the choice in the morning.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Effort.

The most impressive performer for the tourists was Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 from his 16 overs were a powerful response against some of scrutiny directed at him his way. Here he visibly led the attack, averaging around 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun and offering Stokes both control together with clear menace. It was only towards the very end of the day – during a single over with the second new ball – that he appeared somewhat jaded.

Having bounced out opener Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's first over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. Green's golden duck served as a reminder of how cricket can bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder occurring barely 24 hours following trousering a record £1.5m deal in the IPL.

The Keeper's Priceless Innings Steadies The Innings.

Carey's day, in contrast, was nothing short of priceless, culminating at 4.48pm when he drove Ben Stokes through cover for three runs which prompted the crowd rose with a roar. Coming off that virtuoso outing behind the stumps in Brisbane, his aggressive 106 off 143 deliveries made sure that a mid-innings stumble of 94 for four did not become a complete crisis. The 34-year-old is a genuinely Test match player these days.

The Australian batting lineup did leave some runs on the field, however. Gone was the excessive bounce of 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 grip to Will Jacks, although his control was that of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of two for 105 off his 20 overs – and the balls that did to turn sharply will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context with A Late Team Change.

The day's play was always going to be a poignant occasion for the host nation, arriving so shortly after a devastating terrorist attack in Bondi. A minute's silence prior to the start of play was immaculately held, broken only by musician John Williams performing an emotional version of the anthem 'True Blue'.

By this stage, Australia had also been forced into a change from their stated XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out after reporting feeling dizzy and sickness in the morning – an apparent recurrence of the vertigo that has intermittently affected the star batter since he was struck by Archer at Lord's years back.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his international career could be finished. Until Carey's arrival, the left-hander had expertly held the innings together, walking out with the score on 33/2 and finessing a fine 82 from 126 deliveries just a day before turning 39. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Alex Carey proved crucial.

The Tourist's Mixed Bag Continues.

Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping conditions, it remained still another frustrating day for England’s attack. Brydon Carse rather continued his form from the first two Tests, picking up two for 70 from his 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked erratic when handed sharing the new cherry early on, overstepping on five occasions but still dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a sublime one-handed catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather encapsulated the day for both sides: moments of brilliance mixed with some sloppy play.