Alex Carey's Stunning Hundred Aids The Hosts Bounce Back From A Swift English Test Series Assault.

After that pandemonium from the Perth Test and Brisbane's pink-ball palooza, a more familiar brand regarding the longest format returned on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the locals, the day proved a day to cherish, as their boy Alex Carey produced a sparkling century at his home ground as Australia Australia just shade day one.

However, The touring English side, trailing 2-0 and clinging on in the contest, were entirely disheartened. Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a crucial toss and, despite being far from at their best, the English attack kept persevering under 35c heat. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326-8 from 83 overs – a total on the board but surely below their ambitions when Pat Cummins won the choice first thing.

The Pace of Archer Leads England's Effort.

The standout among the tourists proved to be Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 from his 16 overs constituted a strong riposte to the criticism that came his way. Here he visibly spearheaded the attack, clocking 88mph (142kmh) on the speed gun and offering his captain both accuracy and clear threat. Only at the end of play – one over using the fresh cherry – did he look a bit weary.

After dismissed opener Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's first over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. The all-rounder's duck was a reminder of how cricket can bring a player back to reality, his tepid chip to mid-wicket arriving less than a day following securing a massive multi-million dollar contract for the upcoming IPL.

Carey's Priceless Innings Rescues The Innings.

Carey's day, however, was nothing short of invaluable, culminating at late afternoon when he drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three runs which prompted the crowd rose in a huge roar. Coming off his masterful display with the gloves in Brisbane, his aggressive 106 from 143 deliveries ensured that a post-lunch wobble of 94 for four did not become a full-blown collapse. At 34, Carey has become a serious cricketer these days.

Australia undoubtedly left a few potential runs out there, however. Absent was the excessive bounce from the opening matches replaced by just a hint of nibble when a good length was located.

The pitch also offered a bit of grip for Will Jacks, although his consistency was that of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of two for 105 from 20 overs – and the balls he did get to turn sharply will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop with A Late Switch.

The day's play was always going to be a poignant day for Australia, coming so soon in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi. The minute’s silence observed before the first ball was perfectly observed, broken only by folk singer John Williams delivering an emotional rendition of True Blue.

By this stage, Australia had also been forced into a change from their announced XI. Steve Smith pulled out after reporting dizziness and sickness in the morning – an apparent return of the vertigo that has intermittently affected him 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 may be over. Before Carey's heroics, Khawaja had expertly held the innings steady, walking out with the score on 33/2 before finessing a fine 82 off 126 deliveries just a day from his 39th birthday. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Alex Carey were significant.

England's Frustration Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the energy-sapping heat, this was still another frustrating day for England’s attack. Brydon Carse rather rolled over his inconsistent form of the series, finishing with two for 70 off his 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked erratic when handed sharing the duty of the new ball early on, overstepping on five occasions yet dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a sublime one-handed catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day's play for both teams: moments of brilliance mixed with some error-prone play.