Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Assists The Hosts Recover From A Swift England Test Series Charge.

In the wake of the frenzy from Perth as well as Brisbane's pink-ball spectacle, an outbreak of familiar brand regarding Test cricket returned on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the delighted locals, it was one to savour, as their boy Alex Carey delivered an outstanding hundred on his home venue as Australia the home side edge day one.

However, England, trailing 2-0 while still fighting in this contest, were entirely downbeat. Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like a crucial coin toss and, despite being far from at their best, the English attack continued persevering under scorching heat. At stumps, the Australians had reached 326 for eight from 83 overs – runs on the board but surely short of their expectations after Pat Cummins won the toss first thing.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Fightback.

The most impressive performer among the tourists was Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 off 16 overs constituted a strong response against some of criticism that came his way. On this day he visibly led the attack, clocking 88mph (142kmh) with the speedometer and offering Stokes a combination of control together with clear menace. Only at the end of the day – one over with the fresh cherry – that he appeared a bit jaded.

After bounced out opener Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's first over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three balls. Green's golden duck served as a reminder that this sport can swiftly bring a player back to reality, his tepid chip to the mid-wicket fielder arriving less than a day after securing a massive multi-million dollar contract for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Invaluable Innings Steadies The Innings.

Carey's day, however, was simply priceless, peaking around late afternoon when he elegantly drove Stokes through cover for three runs which prompted the crowd to rise in a huge roar. Fresh from his masterful display with the gloves at the Gabba, his counterattacking 106 runs from 143 balls ensured that the mid-innings stumble of 94 for four did not become a complete collapse. The 34-year-old has become a genuinely cricketer nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup did leave some potential runs out there, however. Gone was the excessive bounce from the first two Tests and in its place only a fraction of seam movement if the right area was located.

The pitch also offered some turn to off-spinner Will Jacks, although his consistency was that of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of 2/105 from his 20 overs – and the balls he did get to turn sharply will encourage Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Backdrop with A Late Team Change.

This was always going to be a poignant day for Australia, arriving so soon in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi. A minute's silence before the first ball was immaculately observed, followed by folk singer a rendition delivering a stirring rendition of True Blue.

Earlier, the hosts were also forced into an alteration from their stated XI. Steve Smith pulled out due to dizziness and nausea in the morning – an apparent return of a vertigo issue which has periodically troubled the star batter ever since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his Test career could be over. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, Khawaja had held the Australian innings together, walking out with the score on 33/2 and finessing 82 off 126 balls a day out from his 39th birthday. Partnerships of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Alex Carey proved crucial.

The Tourist's Mixed Bag Continues.

Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping heat, this was still another frustrating day from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his inconsistent form of the first two Tests, picking up two for 70 from 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler was erratic when tasked with sharing the new ball early on, overstepping five times yet removing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a spectacular catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather encapsulated the day's play for both teams: brilliance interspersed with periods of sloppy play.