Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Brilliant Hundred Aids The Baggy Greens Regroup From An Early England Test Series Assault.

Following the frenzy of the Perth Test as well as Brisbane's pink-ball palooza, a more traditional style of red-ball cricket was witnessed at Adelaide Oval. For the home crowd, the day proved a day to enjoy, as local hero Alex Carey produced a magnificent hundred on his home turf to help Australia edge the first day's play.

However, England, 2-0 down while clinging on in this contest, were too disappointed. Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a significant toss and, though far from at their best, his bowlers continued toiling in 35c heat. At stumps, the Australians had reached 326-8 off 83 overs – a total on the board but surely short of initial ambitions when captain Pat Cummins won the toss in the morning.

Jofra Archer Leads England's Effort.

The standout for the tourists was speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 off his 16 overs were a powerful response to the scrutiny directed at him this past week. On this day he clearly spearheaded the attack, averaging around 88mph (142kph) with the speed gun and offering Stokes both accuracy and obvious threat. It was only towards the very end of the day – during a single over with the second new ball – that he appeared somewhat weary.

Having dismissed opener Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's initial over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three balls. Green's golden duck was a stark reminder that this sport can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back to reality, coming from weak chip shot to mid-wicket arriving less than a day after trousering a massive multi-million dollar contract in the Indian Premier League.

Carey's Priceless Innings Steadies The Innings.

Alex Carey's day, in contrast, was nothing short of invaluable, culminating at 4.48pm as he elegantly drove Stokes through cover for three which prompted the Adelaide faithful rose in a huge roar. Coming off his masterful outing with the gloves in Brisbane, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 runs off 143 deliveries ensured that a mid-innings stumble to 94/4 failed to develop into a complete collapse. The 34-year-old is a serious Test match player nowadays.

Australia undoubtedly left some potential runs on the field, though. Gone was that pronounced pace and bounce of the first two Tests replaced by just a hint of seam movement if the right area was located.

There was also some grip for Will Jacks, although his control was that of a part-time spinner – resulting in expensive figures of two for 105 off his 20 overs – and the balls that did to turn sharply will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Backdrop and Late Switch.

This was always going to be an emotional occasion for the host nation, coming so shortly after a devastating terrorist attack at Bondi. The minute’s silence observed prior to the start of play was perfectly held, followed by musician John Williams performing a stirring version of 'True Blue'.

Earlier, the hosts had also been compelled to make a change to their stated XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting dizziness and sickness in the morning – an apparent return of the vertigo which has periodically troubled the star batter ever since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his Test career may be over. Until the wicketkeeper's arrival, the left-hander had expertly held the Australian innings steady, coming to the crease with the score on 33/2 before finessing 82 off 126 deliveries just a day from turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Alex Carey proved crucial.

England's Frustration Persists.

Archer aside, and notwithstanding the energy-sapping conditions, it remained still another frustrating outing from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat continued his inconsistent form of the series, picking up figures of 2/70 from his 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 from 15 overs.

Carse was erratic when tasked with sharing the new ball early on, overstepping on five occasions but still removing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a spectacular one-handed catch by Zak Crawley at cover. It rather encapsulated the day's play for both teams: brilliance mixed with periods of error-prone play.