Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Stunning Century Aids The Hosts Bounce Back After An Early England Ashes Assault.

Following the chaos from Perth as well as the Gabba's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of familiar brand of red-ball cricket was witnessed on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the South Australian fans, it was one to cherish, as homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman produced a magnificent century on his home turf to help Australia just shade day one.

Not that England, trailing 2-0 while still fighting in the series, were too disheartened. Ben Stokes had lost what appeared an ominous coin toss and, despite being far from at their best, the English attack kept persevering in 35c conditions. At stumps, Australia were 326-8 off 83 overs bowled – runs on the board yet likely below initial expectations after captain Pat Cummins won the toss in the morning.

Jofra Archer Leads England's Effort.

The standout for the tourists proved to be Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 off 16 overs constituted a strong answer against the scrutiny directed at him this past week. On this day he visibly spearheaded the attack, clocking around 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer and offering his captain a combination of control together with obvious threat. Only at the very end of play – during a single over using the second new ball – that he appeared somewhat weary.

Having bounced out Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's first over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. The all-rounder's golden duck served as a stark reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back to reality, his tepid chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder occurring less than a day following trousering a record £1.5m contract for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

Carey's Invaluable Contribution Rescues The Ship.

Carey's performance, in contrast, was nothing short of invaluable, peaking around late afternoon when he drove Stokes through cover for three runs and the crowd rose in a huge roar. Fresh from his masterful display with the gloves in Brisbane, his aggressive 106 runs off 143 deliveries ensured that the mid-innings stumble to 94 for four did not become a full-blown collapse. At 34, Carey is a genuinely cricketer these days.

The Australian batting lineup did leave some runs on the field, however. Absent was the pronounced bounce from the opening matches replaced by just a hint of nibble if a good length was hit.

There was also some grip to Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-time spinner – hence expensive figures of two for 105 off his 20 overs – and the balls that did to misbehave will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Context with A Late Switch.

This was always going to be an emotional occasion for the host nation, coming so soon after a devastating terrorist attack at Bondi. The minute’s silence prior to the first ball was perfectly held, followed by musician a rendition delivering an emotional rendition of the anthem 'True Blue'.

Earlier, the hosts were also compelled to make an alteration to their announced starting eleven. Steve Smith pulled out after reporting dizziness and nausea first thing – an apparent recurrence of the vertigo that has periodically affected him since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his Test career may be finished. Until the wicketkeeper's arrival, Khawaja had held the Australian innings together, walking out with the score on 33/2 before finessing 82 off 126 deliveries a day out from turning 39. Stands worth 61 runs with Labuschagne and 91 runs with Carey proved crucial.

The Tourist's Frustration Continues.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the energy-sapping heat, this was yet another frustrating day from England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather continued his inconsistent form of the series, picking up two for 70 from 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked all over the shop when handed sharing the duty of the new cherry first thing, overstepping on five occasions yet removing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a sublime catch by Zak Crawley at cover. This moment summed up the day for both sides: brilliance interspersed with periods of error-prone cricket.