Australia's Alex Carey's Sparkling Hundred Aids The Hosts Regroup After Early England Test Series Charge.

In the wake of that frenzy from Perth as well as the Gabba's pink-ball spectacle, a more traditional brand of the longest format was witnessed at Adelaide Oval. For the delighted locals, the day proved a day to cherish, as their boy Alex Carey produced a magnificent hundred at his home turf as Australia Australia just shade day one.

Not that England, trailing 2-0 while still fighting in the contest, were entirely downbeat. Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a significant coin toss and, though far from at their best, the English attack kept toiling under 35c heat. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326-8 from 83 overs bowled – a total on the board yet likely short of initial ambitions when Pat Cummins won the choice first thing.

The Pace of Archer Leads England's Effort.

The most impressive performer among England proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 from 16 overs constituted a strong answer to some of scrutiny directed at him this past week. Here he clearly led the bowling unit, clocking around 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun and offering his captain a combination of accuracy and clear menace. It was only towards the end of play – one over with the second new ball – that he appeared a bit weary.

After dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's first over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three balls. The all-rounder's golden duck served as a reminder of how cricket can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip to the mid-wicket fielder occurring less than a day following securing a record multi-million dollar contract for the upcoming IPL.

The Keeper's Invaluable Contribution Steadies The Ship.

Carey's performance, in contrast, was nothing short of priceless, peaking around late afternoon as he elegantly drove Stokes through the covers for three and the Adelaide faithful to rise in a huge roar. Coming off his virtuoso display with the gloves at the Gabba, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 off 143 deliveries made sure that the post-lunch wobble of 94 for four failed to develop into a full-blown collapse. At 34, Carey is a genuinely Test match player nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left a few runs on the field, though. Gone was that excessive pace and bounce of the first two Tests and in its place only a fraction of seam movement when the right area was hit.

The pitch also offered a bit of grip for Will Jacks, although his control was typical of a part-time spinner – resulting in expensive figures of 2/105 from 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to misbehave will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop with A Late Team Change.

This was always going to be a poignant occasion for the host nation, arriving so soon after a devastating terrorist attack in Bondi. The minute’s silence observed prior to the start of play was perfectly held, followed by folk singer a rendition performing a stirring version of the anthem True Blue.

Earlier, Australia were also compelled to make a change to their stated XI. Steve Smith pulled out after reporting feeling dizzy along with sickness in the morning – seemingly recurrence of a vertigo issue that has periodically affected him ever since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his international career could be finished. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, the left-hander had expertly held the innings steady, walking out at 33/2 and crafting 82 off 126 deliveries a day out from his 39th birthday. Stands of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 runs with Carey proved crucial.

England's Frustration Persists.

Archer aside, and despite the sapping heat, this was still another frustrating day for England’s attack. Brydon Carse rather continued his inconsistent form of the first two Tests, finishing with two for 70 from 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 in 15 overs.

Carse was all over the shop when handed sharing the duty of the new cherry early on, no-balling on five occasions but still dismissing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley at cover. It rather encapsulated the day for both teams: moments of brilliance mixed with some sloppy play.