Australia's Alex Carey's Stunning Century Helps The Baggy Greens Recover After Early England Ashes Charge.

In the wake of the frenzy of Perth as well as Brisbane's pink-ball spectacle, a more traditional brand of red-ball cricket broke out at the Adelaide ground. For the delighted locals, the day proved one to cherish, as homegrown talent Alex Carey produced an outstanding century at his home ground to help Australia edge the first day's play.

However, England, trailing 2-0 and clinging on in the series, could be too downbeat. Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a significant toss and, though far from perfect, the English attack kept persevering under scorching heat. At stumps, the Australians were 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – a total on the board but surely short of their expectations after Pat Cummins won the toss first thing.

The Pace of Archer Leads The Tourist's Effort.

The most impressive performer among the tourists proved to be Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 off 16 overs constituted a powerful riposte to some of scrutiny directed at him his way. Here he clearly spearheaded the attack, clocking around 88mph (142kph) on the speed gun while providing Stokes both control and obvious menace. It was only towards the end of play – during a single over using the second new ball – did he look a bit weary.

Having bounced out Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's first over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three balls. Green's golden duck was a reminder of how cricket can bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, his weak chip shot to mid-wicket occurring less than 24 hours following trousering a massive multi-million dollar contract for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

Carey's Priceless Contribution Rescues The Innings.

Carey's day, however, was nothing short of priceless, peaking at late afternoon when he drove Ben Stokes through cover for three runs which prompted the crowd rose in a huge roar. Fresh from his virtuoso display with the gloves at the Gabba, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 runs from 143 balls made sure that a post-lunch wobble to 94/4 did not become a full-blown collapse. The 34-year-old is a serious cricketer nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left some runs on the field, though. Absent was that excessive bounce of the opening matches and in its place just a hint of seam movement if the right area was hit.

There was also a bit of grip for off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-timer – resulting in figures of 2/105 off his 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to turn sharply will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Backdrop and Late Team Change.

This was inevitably an emotional day for Australia, coming so soon after the horrific tragic incident in Bondi. A minute's silence observed before the start of play was perfectly observed, followed by folk singer John Williams performing a stirring rendition of 'True Blue'.

Earlier, Australia were also compelled to make an alteration from their announced starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out due to dizziness along with nausea first thing – seemingly recurrence of a vertigo issue that has periodically affected him since being felled by Archer at Lord’s six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his Test career could be over. Until Carey's heroics, the left-hander had expertly held the innings steady, walking out at 33 for two and crafting a fine 82 off 126 balls a day out before turning 39. Stands of 61 with Labuschagne and 91 runs with Carey were significant.

The Tourist's Frustration Continues.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the sapping conditions, it remained still another disappointing outing for the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather rolled over his inconsistent form of the series, picking up figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue picked up 1/63 from 15 overs.

Carse looked erratic when handed sharing the new ball early on, overstepping on five occasions but still dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley at cover. It rather summed up the day for both sides: brilliance interspersed with some sloppy play.