Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Stunning Hundred Helps The Hosts Bounce Back After An Early English Ashes Onslaught.

In the wake of the chaos of Perth as well as Brisbane's day-night palooza, an outbreak of traditional style of the longest format was witnessed at the Adelaide ground. For the home crowd, the day proved a day to savour, with homegrown talent Alex Carey notched up an outstanding century on his home venue to help the home side just shade the opening day.

Not that The touring English side, 2-0 down while still fighting in the series, were too downbeat. Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a crucial coin toss and, despite being not perfect, the English attack continued plugging away in sweltering conditions. At stumps, the Australians were 326-8 off 83 overs – runs on the board but surely short of their expectations when Pat Cummins won the toss in the morning.

The Pace of Archer Leads England's Fightback.

The standout for the tourists was speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 from his 16 overs constituted a powerful answer against the scrutiny that came his way. Here he clearly spearheaded the attack, clocking 88mph (142kph) on the speedometer while providing Stokes a combination of control together with clear menace. Only at the very end of the day – one over using the fresh cherry – did he look somewhat jaded.

After dismissed Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's initial over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three deliveries. The all-rounder's duck served as a stark reminder that cricket can swiftly bring a player back to reality, his weak chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder occurring less than a day following trousering a record multi-million dollar deal for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Priceless Innings Rescues The Ship.

Carey's performance, in contrast, was nothing short of invaluable, culminating around 4.48pm as he drove Stokes through cover for three and the Adelaide faithful to rise in a huge roar. Fresh from his masterful outing with the gloves in Brisbane, the left-hander's aggressive 106 off 143 balls ensured that the mid-innings stumble to 94 for four did not become a full-blown collapse. The 34-year-old has become a serious Test match player these days.

Australia did leave some potential runs on the field, though. Absent was the excessive pace and bounce of the opening matches replaced by just a hint of seam movement if a good length was located.

The pitch also offered some grip to off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of 2/105 from his 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to misbehave will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context with Late Switch.

The day's play was inevitably an emotional occasion for the host nation, arriving so soon in the wake of the horrific tragic incident in Bondi. The minute’s silence observed before the first ball was perfectly held, broken only by musician John Williams performing a stirring rendition of True Blue.

Earlier, Australia were also compelled to make an alteration to their announced XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out after reporting dizziness along with nausea in the morning – seemingly return of a vertigo issue that has periodically troubled him ever since he was struck by Archer at Lord’s six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his international career could be over. Before Carey's heroics, Khawaja had held the innings steady, walking out with the score on 33 for two before crafting a fine 82 from 126 balls a day out before turning 39. Stands of 61 with Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Carey were significant.

The Tourist's Frustration Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the sapping heat, this was yet another disappointing day from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his form of the series, picking up figures of 2/70 from his 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 from 15 overs.

Carse looked erratic when handed sharing the duty of the new ball early on, no-balling five times yet removing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a sublime catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment encapsulated the day for both teams: brilliance interspersed with periods of sloppy play.