Australia's Alex Carey's Stunning Hundred Aids The Hosts Regroup After An Early England Ashes Onslaught.

In the wake of the frenzy of Perth and the Gabba's pink-ball spectacle, an outbreak of traditional style of red-ball cricket was witnessed at Adelaide Oval. For the delighted home crowd, it was a day to enjoy, with homegrown talent Alex Carey notched up a sparkling century at his home ground as Australia the home side edge the opening day.

Not that The touring English side, trailing 2-0 while clinging on in the series, were entirely disheartened. Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a significant coin toss and, despite being not perfect, the English attack continued plugging away under scorching heat. At stumps, Australia were 326-8 off 83 overs – runs on the board but surely below initial expectations when Pat Cummins won the toss first thing.

Jofra Archer Leads The Tourist's Effort.

The most impressive performer among the tourists was speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 from 16 overs were a strong riposte to the scrutiny that came his way. Here he visibly led the attack, clocking around 88mph (142kmh) on the speed gun while providing his captain both accuracy and clear threat. It was only towards the end of the day – one over with the second new ball – did he look a bit weary.

After dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's first over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. Green's duck served as a stark reminder that cricket can bring a player back to reality, coming from tepid chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder occurring barely 24 hours after securing a massive £1.5m contract for the upcoming IPL.

The Keeper's Priceless Innings Rescues The Innings.

Alex Carey's performance, in contrast, was nothing short of invaluable, peaking around 4.48pm as he elegantly drove Stokes through the covers for three runs which prompted the Adelaide faithful to rise in a huge roar. Fresh from that masterful display with the gloves in Brisbane, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 from 143 balls made sure that the post-lunch wobble of 94/4 did not become a full-blown collapse. At 34, Carey has become a genuinely cricketer nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup did leave some potential runs out there, though. Absent was that excessive bounce from the opening matches and in its place just a hint of seam movement if the right area was located.

There was also some grip to off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his consistency was typical of a part-timer – hence expensive figures of two for 105 from 20 overs – and the balls he did get to misbehave will encourage Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop and Late Team Change.

This was inevitably a poignant day for Australia, coming so soon in the wake of a devastating tragic incident in Bondi. A minute's silence prior to the start of play was immaculately observed, followed by musician a rendition delivering an emotional rendition of 'True Blue'.

Earlier, Australia had also been forced into a change from their stated starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out due to feeling dizzy and nausea first thing – an apparent return of a vertigo issue which has periodically troubled him since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his international career may be finished. Before Carey's heroics, the left-hander had held the Australian innings steady, coming to the crease at 33 for two before finessing 82 off 126 balls just a day from his 39th birthday. Stands worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 with Alex Carey proved crucial.

England's Frustration Persists.

Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping heat, this was yet another disappointing outing for the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat continued his form from the series, picking up figures of 2/70 from his 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 in 15 overs.

Carse was erratic when tasked with sharing the new ball early on, no-balling on five occasions but still dismissing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a sublime one-handed catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment encapsulated the day for both teams: brilliance mixed with periods of sloppy cricket.