Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Brilliant Century Aids Australia Regroup After Early English Test Series Assault.

After that frenzy from Perth and the Gabba's day-night palooza, a more traditional style of the longest format broke out on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the South Australian fans, it was one to enjoy, as their boy Alex Carey produced a magnificent hundred at his home ground as Australia the home side edge day one.

Not that The touring English side, trailing 2-0 while still fighting in this series, were too disappointed. Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like an ominous toss and, despite being far from perfect, the English attack continued toiling under 35c conditions. By the close of play, the Australians had reached 326 for eight off 83 overs – runs on the board yet likely short of their ambitions when captain Pat Cummins got the choice in the morning.

Jofra Archer Leads The Tourist's Fightback.

The most impressive performer for England proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 from 16 overs constituted a powerful answer against the criticism directed at him this past week. On this day he visibly led the attack, averaging 88mph (142kph) on the speed gun while providing his captain a combination of accuracy and obvious menace. Only at the end of the day – one over with the second new ball – did he look a bit weary.

After dismissed opener Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's first over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. The all-rounder's golden duck was a stark reminder of how cricket can bring a player back down to earth, coming from weak chip shot to mid-wicket arriving less than a day after securing a massive £1.5m deal for the upcoming IPL.

Carey's Priceless Innings Steadies The Ship.

Alex Carey's performance, in contrast, was simply invaluable, culminating around 4.48pm as he elegantly drove Stokes through cover for three which prompted the Adelaide faithful to rise in a huge roar. Fresh from that virtuoso outing behind the stumps in Brisbane, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 runs from 143 balls made sure that the post-lunch wobble of 94 for four failed to develop into a full-blown crisis. The 34-year-old is a serious Test match player nowadays.

Australia did leave a few runs on the field, though. Absent was that pronounced pace and bounce of the first two Tests replaced by just a hint of nibble when the right area was located.

There was also some grip for Will Jacks, although his control was that of a part-timer – hence expensive figures of two for 105 off 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to misbehave will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Backdrop and Late Team Change.

The day's play was always going to be an emotional day for Australia, coming so soon after the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi. The minute’s silence prior to the start of play was immaculately held, followed by folk singer John Williams performing a stirring rendition of True Blue.

By this stage, the hosts were also compelled to make a change to their announced XI. Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting dizziness along with nausea in the morning – seemingly return of the vertigo which has intermittently troubled him ever since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his Test career could be finished. Before Carey's heroics, Khawaja had held the Australian innings together, walking out with the score on 33 for two before crafting a fine 82 off 126 balls a day out before his 39th birthday. Partnerships of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 runs with Carey proved crucial.

The Tourist's Mixed Bag Persists.

Archer aside, and despite the sapping heat, it remained yet another disappointing day for England’s attack. Brydon Carse rather continued his inconsistent form of the series, picking up figures of 2/70 off 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler was all over the shop when tasked with sharing the new cherry first thing, overstepping on five occasions but still removing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a spectacular catch from Zak Crawley at cover. This moment summed up the day for both sides: moments of brilliance interspersed with some sloppy cricket.