Australia's Alex Carey's Sparkling Ton Assists Australia Recover After Early England Ashes Charge.

After the chaos of Perth and the Gabba's day-night spectacle, a more familiar brand regarding the longest format broke out at the Adelaide ground. For the delighted locals, the day proved a day to savour, as their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman delivered a sparkling century at his home ground as Australia Australia edge the opening day.

Not that The touring English side, 2-0 down while still fighting in the contest, were too disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a crucial coin toss and, despite being not perfect, the English attack continued plugging away in 35c conditions. At stumps, the Australians had reached 326 for eight off 83 overs – a total on the board yet likely short of their expectations after Pat Cummins won the choice first thing.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Fightback.

The standout among England proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 off 16 overs constituted a strong answer to the scrutiny directed at him this past week. On this day he visibly led the bowling unit, clocking 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun while providing his captain a combination of control together with obvious threat. It was only towards the end of the day – one over with the second new ball – did he look somewhat jaded.

Having dismissed Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's first over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three deliveries. The all-rounder's duck was a stark reminder that cricket can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back to reality, coming from weak chip shot to mid-wicket arriving barely 24 hours after trousering a record multi-million dollar deal for the upcoming IPL.

Carey's Invaluable Innings Rescues The Ship.

Carey's performance, in contrast, was nothing short of priceless, peaking at 4.48pm as he elegantly drove Stokes through cover for three which prompted the crowd rose in a huge roar. Fresh from his virtuoso display with the gloves in Brisbane, his counterattacking 106 off 143 deliveries ensured that a mid-innings stumble of 94/4 failed to develop into a full-blown crisis. At 34, Carey is a serious Test match player nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left a few potential runs on the field, though. Absent was that pronounced pace and bounce from the opening matches and in its place just a hint of seam movement if a good length was hit.

There was also a bit of turn to off-spinner Will Jacks, although his control was that of a part-timer – resulting in expensive figures of 2/105 from 20 overs – and the balls he did get to misbehave will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Backdrop and A Late Switch.

The day's play was inevitably a poignant day for Australia, coming so soon in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi. The minute’s silence prior to the start of play was immaculately observed, followed by folk singer John Williams delivering a stirring rendition of the anthem True Blue.

By this stage, Australia were also forced into an alteration from their announced XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn due to feeling dizzy and nausea first thing – seemingly return of the vertigo that has periodically troubled him since being felled by Archer at Lord’s years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his Test career may be over. Before Carey's heroics, the left-hander had expertly held the innings steady, coming to the crease at 33 for two and finessing a fine 82 from 126 deliveries just a day before his 39th birthday. Partnerships of 61 with Labuschagne and 91 with Carey were crucial.

The Tourist's Frustration Continues.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the energy-sapping heat, it remained still another disappointing day from England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat continued his form of the first two Tests, finishing with figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 in 15 overs.

Carse looked all over the shop when tasked with sharing the new ball early on, no-balling five times but still removing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a spectacular catch from Zak Crawley at cover. It rather encapsulated the day for both sides: brilliance mixed with periods of sloppy play.