Alex Carey's Brilliant Hundred Assists Australia Bounce Back From An Early England Test Series Assault.

After that pandemonium from Perth and the Gabba's pink-ball spectacle, an outbreak of familiar style of Test cricket broke out on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the delighted South Australian fans, it was a day to enjoy, with local hero the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up a sparkling hundred at his home turf as Australia Australia just shade the opening day.

Not that The touring English side, 2-0 down and clinging on in this series, were entirely disappointed. Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like a crucial coin toss and, despite being far from perfect, his bowlers continued plugging away in sweltering heat. At stumps, the Australians had reached 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – a total on the board but surely short of their ambitions when captain Pat Cummins got the choice first thing.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Resistance.

The most impressive performer among the tourists was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 from his 16 overs were a powerful response against the scrutiny directed at him this past week. On this day he clearly led the bowling unit, averaging 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer and offering Stokes both control together with obvious menace. It was only towards the very end of play – one over using the second new ball – did he look a bit weary.

After bounced out opener Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by 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, his weak chip shot to mid-wicket arriving less than 24 hours after trousering a record multi-million dollar contract in the IPL.

Carey's Priceless Innings Rescues The Ship.

Carey's performance, in contrast, was nothing short of invaluable, peaking at 4.48pm as he drove Stokes through cover for three which prompted the crowd rose with a roar. Fresh from that virtuoso outing behind the stumps in Brisbane, the left-hander's aggressive 106 from 143 balls ensured that the mid-innings stumble to 94 for four failed to develop into a complete crisis. The 34-year-old has become a serious Test match player nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left some potential runs on the field, though. Gone was that excessive pace and bounce of the first two Tests replaced by just a hint of seam movement if the right area was hit.

There was also a bit of grip for off-spinner Will Jacks, although his consistency was that of a part-timer – resulting in figures of two for 105 from his 20 overs – and the balls that did to turn sharply will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop with Late Switch.

The day's play was inevitably an emotional occasion for the host nation, coming so soon after a devastating tragic incident in Bondi. A minute's silence observed before the start of play was perfectly observed, followed by musician John Williams delivering an emotional version of True Blue.

By this stage, the hosts were also compelled to make a change to their announced XI. Steve Smith was withdrawn due to dizziness and sickness first thing – an apparent recurrence of a vertigo issue which has intermittently affected him since he was struck by Archer at Lord's six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his Test career could be over. Before Carey's heroics, Khawaja had expertly held the innings steady, coming to the crease with the score on 33 for two before crafting 82 off 126 balls a day out before turning 39. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Alex Carey were crucial.

England's Mixed Bag Persists.

Archer aside, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, this was yet another disappointing outing for the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his form of the first two Tests, picking up figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked erratic when tasked with sharing the duty of the new cherry first thing, no-balling five times yet removing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a spectacular catch from Zak Crawley at cover. It rather summed up the day for both sides: moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of sloppy play.