Alex Carey's Brilliant Century Helps The Baggy Greens Regroup From An Early English Test Series Charge.

After the chaos from the Perth Test as well as the Gabba's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of familiar style regarding the longest format broke out on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the delighted locals, it was one to cherish, as homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up a sparkling century on his home venue as Australia Australia edge the first day's play.

Not that England, 2-0 down and clinging on in this series, were too disheartened. Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a crucial coin toss and, though far from at their best, his bowlers kept toiling under sweltering heat. At stumps, the Australians were 326 for eight off 83 overs bowled – runs on the board but surely short of their expectations when Pat Cummins got the choice in the morning.

The Pace of Archer Leads The Tourist's Resistance.

The standout for the tourists was speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 off 16 overs constituted a strong answer against some of scrutiny directed at him this past week. On this day he visibly spearheaded the attack, averaging around 88mph (142kph) with the speed gun and offering Stokes both control together with clear threat. It was only towards the very end of the day – during a single over with the second new ball – did he look a bit jaded.

After bounced out Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's initial over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three balls. The all-rounder's duck was a reminder that this sport can bring a player back down to earth, his tepid chip to mid-wicket occurring less than a day following securing a massive multi-million dollar deal for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Priceless Contribution Steadies The Innings.

Alex Carey's day, in contrast, was simply priceless, culminating at late afternoon as he drove Stokes through cover for three runs which prompted the crowd rose with a roar. Fresh from his masterful display with the gloves at the Gabba, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 off 143 deliveries made sure that the mid-innings stumble to 94 for four failed to develop into a complete crisis. The 34-year-old is a serious cricketer these days.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left a few potential runs out there, though. Gone was the pronounced bounce of the opening matches replaced by just a hint of nibble if a good length was located.

There was also a bit of turn for Will Jacks, even if his consistency was that of a part-time spinner – resulting in expensive figures of 2/105 from his 20 overs – and the balls that did to turn sharply will encourage Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Context and Late Switch.

This was inevitably an emotional occasion for Australia, coming so shortly in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi. The minute’s silence observed before the first ball was immaculately held, followed by musician a rendition delivering a stirring rendition of the anthem 'True Blue'.

By this stage, Australia had also been forced into a change to their announced starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out after reporting feeling dizzy and sickness first thing – seemingly return of the vertigo which has intermittently troubled the star batter 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 may be finished. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, the left-hander had expertly held the Australian innings steady, coming to the crease at 33/2 before crafting a fine 82 from 126 deliveries just a day from turning 39. Stands of 61 with Labuschagne and 91 with Alex Carey were crucial.

The Tourist's Frustration Continues.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, this was yet another disappointing outing for the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather continued his form of the series, finishing with figures of 2/70 from his 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 from 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked erratic when handed sharing the duty of the new cherry early on, no-balling on five occasions yet dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a sublime one-handed catch by Zak Crawley at cover. This moment summed up the day's play for both teams: moments of brilliance interspersed with some error-prone play.