Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Stunning Century Assists The Hosts Bounce Back From Early English Test Series Charge.

After the chaos of Perth as well as the Gabba's day-night palooza, a more traditional brand regarding red-ball cricket broke out on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the home crowd, it was a day to cherish, with their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman delivered a magnificent hundred at his home venue to help the home side just shade day one.

Not that The touring English side, 2-0 down while still fighting in this series, were entirely disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a crucial toss and, though far from at their best, his bowlers kept plugging away under sweltering heat. By the close of play, Australia were 326-8 from 83 overs bowled – runs on the board but surely short of their expectations when captain Pat Cummins got the choice first thing.

Jofra Archer Leads The Tourist's Fightback.

The standout for the tourists proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 from 16 overs constituted a strong answer to the criticism that came his way. Here he visibly spearheaded the attack, clocking around 88mph (142kph) with the speed gun while providing Stokes a combination of control together with clear threat. Only at the very end of play – one over using the second new ball – that he appeared a bit weary.

After dismissed opener Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's first over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three balls. Green's duck served as a reminder of how this sport can bring a player back to reality, his weak chip shot to mid-wicket arriving barely a day after securing a massive £1.5m deal for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Priceless Innings Steadies The Ship.

Carey's day, however, was simply invaluable, peaking at 4.48pm as he elegantly drove Stokes through cover for three which prompted the Adelaide faithful rose with a roar. Coming off that virtuoso outing behind the stumps at the Gabba, his aggressive 106 from 143 balls made sure that the mid-innings stumble to 94 for four failed to develop into a full-blown crisis. At 34, Carey is a genuinely Test match player nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left some runs on the field, though. Gone was the pronounced pace and bounce of the first two Tests replaced by just a hint of nibble if the right area was hit.

The pitch also offered some grip for Will Jacks, even if his consistency was that of a part-timer – hence figures of 2/105 from his 20 overs – and the balls that did to misbehave will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop and Late Team Change.

This was inevitably a poignant occasion for the host nation, arriving so shortly after the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi. The minute’s silence before the first ball was immaculately observed, followed by musician a rendition delivering a stirring rendition of True Blue.

Earlier, Australia were also compelled to make an alteration to their stated starting eleven. Steve Smith pulled out after reporting feeling dizzy and nausea in the morning – an apparent recurrence of the vertigo which has intermittently troubled him since he was struck 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 Carey's heroics, Khawaja had held the innings together, walking out at 33 for two before crafting 82 from 126 balls a day out before turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Labuschagne and 91 runs with Carey proved significant.

The Tourist's Frustration Persists.

Archer aside, and notwithstanding the sapping conditions, it remained still another frustrating outing for England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather rolled over his inconsistent form from the first two Tests, finishing with figures of 2/70 off 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue picked up 1/63 from 15 overs.

Carse looked all over the shop when handed sharing the new cherry early on, overstepping five times yet dismissing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a sublime catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment encapsulated the day for both teams: moments of brilliance interspersed with some sloppy play.