Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Stunning Century Aids The Hosts Recover After Early England Ashes Charge.

After that frenzy from Perth and the Gabba's day-night spectacle, a more traditional brand of the longest format returned on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the South Australian fans, the day proved one to savour, as their boy Alex Carey notched up a magnificent hundred at his home turf to help Australia edge the first day's play.

However, The touring English side, 2-0 down and clinging on in this series, could be entirely disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a significant coin toss and, though not at their best, the English attack continued persevering in scorching heat. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – a total on the board but surely short of initial ambitions after Pat Cummins got the choice first thing.

The Pace of Archer Leads England's Effort.

The standout among the tourists proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 from 16 overs were a strong response to the scrutiny directed at him this past week. Here he visibly spearheaded the bowling unit, averaging 88mph (142kph) with the speedometer while providing his captain a combination of accuracy and clear threat. It was only towards the end of play – one over using the second new ball – did he look a bit weary.

Having bounced out Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's first over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three deliveries. The all-rounder's duck served as a stark reminder of how cricket can bring even a celebrated player back to reality, coming from weak chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder arriving barely a day following trousering a massive multi-million dollar contract for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

Carey's Priceless Contribution Rescues The Innings.

Alex Carey's performance, however, was simply invaluable, culminating at late afternoon as he elegantly drove Stokes through the covers for three which prompted the Adelaide faithful to rise with a roar. Coming off that virtuoso display with the gloves at the Gabba, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 from 143 balls ensured that a post-lunch wobble to 94 for four failed to develop into a complete collapse. The 34-year-old is a genuinely cricketer these days.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left a few potential runs on the field, however. Gone was that pronounced pace and bounce from the first two Tests and in its place only a fraction of nibble if a good length was hit.

The pitch also offered a bit of turn to Will Jacks, even if his consistency was that of a part-timer – resulting in expensive figures of 2/105 from 20 overs – and the balls that did to misbehave will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop and A Late Team Change.

The day's play was inevitably a poignant occasion for the host nation, coming so soon in the wake of the horrific tragic incident in Bondi. The minute’s silence prior to the start of play was perfectly observed, broken only by musician John Williams performing a stirring rendition of True Blue.

By this stage, Australia had also been forced into a change from their stated starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn due to dizziness along with nausea in the morning – seemingly recurrence of a vertigo issue that has intermittently troubled him ever since being felled by Archer at Lord’s six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his international career could be over. Until the wicketkeeper's arrival, Khawaja had held the Australian innings together, coming to the crease at 33 for two before crafting a fine 82 off 126 balls a day out before turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 with Carey were significant.

The Tourist's Frustration Persists.

Archer aside, and despite the sapping conditions, this was yet another disappointing day for the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather continued his inconsistent form of the series, picking up figures of 2/70 from his 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 from 15 overs.

The Durham bowler was erratic when tasked with sharing the duty of the new ball early on, overstepping five times yet dismissing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a sublime one-handed catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment encapsulated the day for both sides: brilliance interspersed with some error-prone cricket.