Australia's Alex Carey's Sparkling Century Helps The Baggy Greens Bounce Back After An Early England Test Series Onslaught.

After that pandemonium of the Perth Test and Brisbane's pink-ball palooza, an outbreak of familiar style regarding the longest format broke out on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the South Australian fans, the day proved one to enjoy, with their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman delivered a sparkling hundred on his home ground to help Australia edge the first day's play.

However, The touring English side, trailing 2-0 while still fighting in the contest, were too disappointed. Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared an ominous toss and, though far from perfect, the English attack continued persevering under sweltering conditions. At stumps, Australia had reached 326-8 from 83 overs – a total on the board but surely below their 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 3/29 from his 16 overs were a powerful answer to some of criticism directed at him his way. On this day he visibly led the bowling unit, averaging around 88mph (142kph) on the speedometer while providing his captain a combination of accuracy together with obvious menace. Only at the very end of play – during a single over with the second new ball – did he look somewhat weary.

Having bounced out Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's initial over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three balls. Green's duck served as a reminder of how this sport can bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, his tepid chip to mid-wicket occurring less than 24 hours after securing a record multi-million dollar deal in the IPL.

The Keeper's Invaluable Contribution Rescues The Innings.

Alex Carey's day, in contrast, was nothing short of priceless, peaking at 4.48pm as he drove Ben Stokes through cover for three and the Adelaide faithful rose with a roar. Fresh from his masterful outing with the gloves at the Gabba, his counterattacking 106 from 143 deliveries ensured that the post-lunch wobble to 94 for four failed to develop into a complete collapse. At 34, Carey is a genuinely cricketer nowadays.

Australia did leave some runs out there, however. Absent was that pronounced bounce of the first two Tests and in its place just a hint of nibble when the right area was located.

There was also a bit of grip to Will Jacks, although his control was typical of a part-time spinner – resulting in expensive figures of two for 105 from his 20 overs – and the balls he did get to misbehave will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context and Late Team Change.

This was always going to be a poignant occasion for Australia, coming so soon after a devastating tragic incident at Bondi. The minute’s silence observed before the start of play was perfectly observed, broken only by musician a rendition performing a stirring rendition of the anthem 'True Blue'.

Earlier, the hosts had also been forced into a change from their stated starting eleven. Steve Smith was withdrawn due to dizziness and sickness in the morning – an apparent return of a vertigo issue which has periodically troubled the star batter since being felled by Archer at Lord’s six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his international career may be finished. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, the left-hander had expertly held the innings steady, coming to the crease with the score on 33/2 and finessing 82 off 126 balls a day out before turning 39. Stands of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 with Carey proved crucial.

England's Mixed Bag Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the energy-sapping conditions, this was yet another disappointing day from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his inconsistent form of the first two Tests, finishing with figures of 2/70 from his 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler was erratic when tasked with sharing the new cherry first thing, no-balling five times yet dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a sublime catch from Zak Crawley at cover. This moment encapsulated the day's play for both teams: moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of error-prone cricket.