Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Brilliant Century Assists The Hosts Recover From Early England Ashes Onslaught.

After the frenzy of Perth and Brisbane's pink-ball palooza, an outbreak of traditional style of red-ball cricket broke out at the Adelaide ground. For the locals, it was one to savour, as local hero Alex Carey notched up a magnificent century on his home ground as Australia Australia just shade day one.

Not that The touring English side, 2-0 down and clinging on in this contest, could be too disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a significant coin toss and, despite being far from at their best, the English attack continued toiling under scorching conditions. By the close of play, the Australians had reached 326-8 from 83 overs bowled – runs on the board yet likely below their expectations after Pat Cummins got the choice first thing.

The Pace of Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Resistance.

The most impressive performer for England was Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 off his 16 overs were a strong answer to the criticism directed at him his way. Here he clearly led the bowling unit, averaging around 88mph (142kph) on the speed gun while providing Stokes both control and obvious threat. Only at the end of play – one over with the fresh cherry – that he appeared a bit weary.

Having bounced out opener Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's first over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three deliveries. Green's duck was a reminder that this sport can swiftly bring a player back to reality, his weak chip shot to mid-wicket arriving barely a day following securing a record £1.5m contract in the Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Priceless Innings Rescues The Ship.

Alex Carey's day, in contrast, was nothing short of invaluable, culminating around 4.48pm when he elegantly drove Stokes through the covers for three runs and the crowd rose in a huge roar. Fresh from that virtuoso display with the gloves at the Gabba, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 runs from 143 deliveries made sure that the post-lunch wobble of 94 for four did not become a complete crisis. At 34, Carey is a serious Test match player these days.

Australia did leave a few potential runs out there, 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 hit.

The pitch also offered a bit of turn to off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-timer – hence expensive figures of two for 105 off his 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to misbehave will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Context with Late Switch.

This was always going to be an emotional occasion for the host nation, arriving so shortly after a devastating terrorist attack in Bondi. A minute's silence before the first ball was immaculately observed, broken only by folk singer a rendition performing an emotional version of 'True Blue'.

By this stage, the hosts were also forced into an alteration from their announced starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out due to dizziness along with nausea first thing – an apparent recurrence of the vertigo which has periodically affected the star batter ever since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his Test career may be finished. Until the wicketkeeper's arrival, Khawaja had held the innings together, coming to the crease at 33 for two before crafting a fine 82 from 126 balls a day out before turning 39. Stands worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 runs with Carey proved significant.

England's Mixed Bag Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the sapping conditions, this was yet another disappointing day from the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather continued his inconsistent form from the first two Tests, picking up two for 70 off 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 from 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked erratic when handed sharing the new ball first thing, overstepping on five occasions yet removing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a spectacular one-handed catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day's play for both teams: moments of brilliance mixed with periods of sloppy play.