Alex Carey's Brilliant Hundred Assists Australia Regroup After An Early England Ashes Onslaught.

In the wake of the frenzy from Perth and the Gabba's day-night palooza, an outbreak of familiar brand regarding red-ball cricket broke out at Adelaide Oval. For the South Australian fans, it was one to cherish, as their boy Alex Carey delivered an outstanding hundred at his home ground as Australia Australia edge day one.

However, England, trailing 2-0 and clinging on in the series, could be entirely downbeat. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a crucial coin toss and, despite being not at their best, his bowlers continued toiling under 35c conditions. At stumps, the Australians were 326-8 off 83 overs bowled – runs on the board but surely below their expectations after captain Pat Cummins won the toss in the morning.

The Pace of Archer Leads England's Effort.

The most impressive performer for England proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 off 16 overs constituted a powerful answer against some of scrutiny that came his way. On this day he clearly spearheaded the attack, clocking around 88mph (142kph) with the speed gun while providing his captain a combination of control and clear threat. Only at the very end of the day – during a single over with the second new ball – did he look a bit jaded.

Having bounced out opener Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's first over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three balls. Green's golden duck was a reminder of how cricket can bring a player back down to earth, his weak chip to mid-wicket arriving barely 24 hours after trousering a record multi-million dollar contract in the Indian Premier League.

Carey's Priceless Innings Rescues The Innings.

Alex Carey's day, in contrast, was simply invaluable, peaking around 4.48pm as he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through cover for three which prompted the crowd to rise in a huge roar. Fresh from his virtuoso display behind the stumps at the Gabba, his aggressive 106 from 143 deliveries ensured that a mid-innings stumble of 94/4 did not become a complete collapse. At 34, Carey has become a serious Test match player these days.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left some potential runs on the field, however. Gone was that excessive bounce of the opening matches replaced by only a fraction of seam movement if a good length was hit.

The pitch also offered a bit of grip to off-spinner Will Jacks, although his control was typical of a part-time spinner – hence expensive figures of two for 105 off his 20 overs – and the balls he did get to turn sharply will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context with Late Switch.

This was inevitably an emotional occasion for the host nation, arriving so soon after a devastating tragic incident at Bondi. The minute’s silence before the start of play was perfectly held, followed by musician John Williams delivering an emotional rendition of True Blue.

By this stage, Australia were also forced into an alteration from their stated starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out due to feeling dizzy and sickness first thing – seemingly recurrence of a vertigo issue which has intermittently affected him ever since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his international career could be finished. Before Carey's arrival, the left-hander had expertly held the Australian innings together, coming to the crease at 33/2 and crafting 82 off 126 deliveries just a day before turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Alex Carey proved crucial.

England's Mixed Bag Continues.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the sapping heat, it remained yet another frustrating day from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat continued his inconsistent form from the series, picking up figures of 2/70 from his 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 in 15 overs.

Carse was erratic when handed sharing the duty of the new ball early on, no-balling five times but still dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley at cover. This moment encapsulated the day for both sides: moments of brilliance mixed with periods of error-prone cricket.