Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Sparkling Century Aids The Baggy Greens Bounce Back From Early English Ashes Charge.

Following that chaos of the Perth Test as well as the Gabba's pink-ball spectacle, a more familiar style regarding the longest format broke out on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the locals, it was one to enjoy, as local hero the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up a magnificent century on his home turf as Australia Australia edge the first day's play.

However, The touring English side, 2-0 down while clinging on in the series, could be too disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a crucial toss and, though far from perfect, the English attack kept toiling under 35c heat. By the close of play, Australia were 326-8 from 83 overs – runs on the board but surely short of their expectations after captain Pat Cummins got the toss in the morning.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Resistance.

The most impressive performer for the tourists proved to be Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 from 16 overs were a strong response against some of scrutiny directed at him his way. On this day he visibly spearheaded the bowling unit, clocking around 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer while providing his captain both control and obvious threat. It was only towards the end of play – one over using the fresh cherry – did he look somewhat weary.

After dismissed Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's initial over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three balls. Green's duck served as a stark reminder that this sport can bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, his tepid chip to the mid-wicket fielder arriving less than 24 hours following trousering a massive multi-million dollar contract for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

Carey's Invaluable Innings Rescues The Ship.

Alex Carey's day, however, was simply priceless, peaking at late afternoon when he drove Stokes through cover for three runs and the Adelaide faithful to rise in a huge roar. Coming off that masterful outing with the gloves in Brisbane, his counterattacking 106 from 143 balls ensured that the mid-innings stumble of 94/4 did not become a full-blown crisis. At 34, Carey is a genuinely cricketer nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup did leave a few runs out there, though. Absent was the pronounced bounce from the opening matches replaced by only a fraction of nibble if a good length was hit.

There was also some grip to off-spinner Will Jacks, although his consistency was typical of a part-timer – resulting in expensive figures of two for 105 from his 20 overs – and the balls that did to misbehave will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop and Late Team Change.

The day's play was inevitably a poignant day for Australia, coming so soon after a devastating tragic incident in Bondi. A minute's silence observed before the start of play was immaculately observed, broken only by folk singer a rendition delivering a stirring version of 'True Blue'.

Earlier, Australia were also forced into a change to their announced starting eleven. Steve Smith pulled out due to dizziness and sickness in the morning – seemingly recurrence of a vertigo issue which has intermittently affected him ever since being felled by Archer at Lord’s six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his Test career may be over. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, the left-hander had expertly held the innings steady, walking out with the score on 33 for two before crafting a fine 82 from 126 deliveries a day out before his 39th birthday. Partnerships of 61 with Labuschagne and 91 runs with Alex Carey were crucial.

England's Mixed Bag Continues.

Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping heat, it remained yet another frustrating day for the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his form of the first two Tests, picking up figures of 2/70 from his 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 in 15 overs.

Carse was all over the shop when tasked with sharing the duty of the new ball first thing, overstepping on five occasions but still dismissing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a sublime catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day for both sides: brilliance interspersed with periods of sloppy cricket.