Alex Carey's Brilliant Ton Aids The Baggy Greens Recover From A Swift English Ashes Charge.

Following that frenzy from the Perth Test as well as the Gabba's pink-ball spectacle, an outbreak of traditional brand of red-ball cricket returned at the Adelaide ground. For the delighted home crowd, the day proved a day to cherish, as homegrown talent Alex Carey delivered a sparkling hundred at his home venue to help Australia just shade the opening day.

Not that The touring English side, 2-0 down and still fighting in this contest, could be entirely disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a crucial coin toss and, despite being not perfect, his bowlers continued toiling in sweltering conditions. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326 for eight off 83 overs – a total on the board yet likely short of initial expectations when captain Pat Cummins won the choice first thing.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Resistance.

The standout among the tourists proved to be Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 off his 16 overs were a strong riposte against the scrutiny directed at him this past week. Here he visibly led the attack, averaging around 88mph (142kmh) on the speed gun and offering his captain both accuracy and clear menace. Only at the end of play – one over with the second new ball – that he appeared a bit weary.

Having bounced out Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's initial over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three deliveries. The all-rounder's golden duck was a reminder of how cricket can bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip to mid-wicket arriving less than a day following trousering a massive £1.5m contract for the upcoming IPL.

Carey's Invaluable Innings Rescues The Innings.

Alex Carey's performance, however, was simply priceless, culminating around late afternoon when he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three runs which prompted the Adelaide faithful rose with a roar. Fresh from his virtuoso outing behind the stumps in Brisbane, his counterattacking 106 from 143 deliveries made sure that the mid-innings stumble to 94 for four did not become a full-blown crisis. The 34-year-old is a genuinely Test match player nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup did leave some runs on the field, however. Gone was the excessive pace and bounce of the opening matches replaced by only a fraction of nibble when the right area was located.

There was also a bit of turn for Will Jacks, although his consistency was typical of a part-timer – hence expensive figures of 2/105 off his 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to misbehave will encourage Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop and Late Switch.

This was always going to be an emotional day for the host nation, coming so shortly after a devastating terrorist attack in Bondi. A minute's silence observed before the start of play was immaculately held, followed by folk singer John Williams delivering an emotional version of the anthem 'True Blue'.

By this stage, the hosts had also been compelled to make a change from their announced XI. Steve Smith was withdrawn due to dizziness and nausea first thing – an apparent return of a vertigo issue that has intermittently affected him since he was struck by Archer at Lord’s years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his international career could be finished. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, Khawaja had held the Australian innings steady, walking out with the score on 33 for two and crafting 82 off 126 deliveries a day out from turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Alex Carey were crucial.

England's Mixed Bag Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the energy-sapping conditions, it remained still another frustrating day from England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat continued his form from the series, picking up figures of 2/70 from 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked erratic when handed sharing the new cherry first thing, no-balling on five occasions but still removing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment encapsulated the day for both teams: moments of brilliance mixed with some sloppy play.