🔗 Share this article Australia's Alex Carey's Stunning Century Assists The Baggy Greens Regroup From Early English Ashes Assault. Following that chaos of Perth and Brisbane's pink-ball spectacle, an outbreak of familiar style of red-ball cricket broke out on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the delighted South Australian fans, it was a day to savour, as homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman produced an outstanding century at his home venue as Australia the home side just shade the opening day. Not that The touring English side, 2-0 down and still fighting in the contest, could be entirely downbeat. Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a crucial toss and, though far from at their best, his bowlers kept persevering in sweltering conditions. At stumps, Australia had reached 326 for eight off 83 overs bowled – runs on the board yet likely short of initial expectations when captain Pat Cummins got the choice first thing. Jofra Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Effort. The most impressive performer among England proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 from his 16 overs constituted a strong answer against the scrutiny that came his way. On this day he visibly spearheaded the bowling unit, clocking around 88mph (142kph) on the speedometer and offering his captain both accuracy and clear threat. Only at the very end of the day – during a single over with the second new ball – did he look a bit jaded. Having dismissed Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. The all-rounder's golden duck served as a stark reminder of how this sport can bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, his tepid chip to mid-wicket arriving barely 24 hours after securing a massive multi-million dollar contract in the Indian Premier League. The Keeper's Priceless Contribution Steadies The Innings. Carey's day, however, was nothing short of invaluable, culminating at late afternoon when he drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three which prompted the Adelaide faithful to rise with a roar. Coming off his virtuoso display with the gloves at the Gabba, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 off 143 balls ensured that the post-lunch wobble of 94 for four did not become a complete crisis. The 34-year-old is a serious cricketer these days. The Australian batting lineup did leave a few potential runs on the field, however. Absent was that excessive bounce of the first two Tests and in its place just a hint of seam movement if a good length was hit. There was also some grip to off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his control was typical of a part-time spinner – hence figures of two for 105 from his 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to turn sharply will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon. Emotional Context and A Late Switch. The day's play was inevitably a poignant day for the host nation, coming so shortly in the wake of a devastating tragic incident in Bondi. A minute's silence prior to the start of play was immaculately observed, broken only by folk singer John Williams performing a stirring rendition of 'True Blue'. Earlier, Australia were also compelled to make an alteration from their announced XI. Steve Smith was withdrawn due to dizziness and nausea in the morning – seemingly return of the vertigo which has periodically affected the star batter since he was struck by Archer at Lord’s six years ago. His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his international career could be finished. Before Carey's arrival, Khawaja had expertly held the Australian innings steady, walking out with the score on 33/2 and crafting 82 off 126 balls just a day from his 39th birthday. Stands of 61 with Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Alex Carey were crucial. England's Frustration Persists. Archer aside, and despite the sapping conditions, this was yet another disappointing day from England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat continued his inconsistent form from the series, finishing with figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 in 15 overs. Carse was erratic when tasked with sharing the new cherry early on, overstepping five times yet removing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather summed up the day's play for both teams: moments of brilliance mixed with periods of sloppy play.
Following that chaos of Perth and Brisbane's pink-ball spectacle, an outbreak of familiar style of red-ball cricket broke out on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the delighted South Australian fans, it was a day to savour, as homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman produced an outstanding century at his home venue as Australia the home side just shade the opening day. Not that The touring English side, 2-0 down and still fighting in the contest, could be entirely downbeat. Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a crucial toss and, though far from at their best, his bowlers kept persevering in sweltering conditions. At stumps, Australia had reached 326 for eight off 83 overs bowled – runs on the board yet likely short of initial expectations when captain Pat Cummins got the choice first thing. Jofra Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Effort. The most impressive performer among England proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 from his 16 overs constituted a strong answer against the scrutiny that came his way. On this day he visibly spearheaded the bowling unit, clocking around 88mph (142kph) on the speedometer and offering his captain both accuracy and clear threat. Only at the very end of the day – during a single over with the second new ball – did he look a bit jaded. Having dismissed Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. The all-rounder's golden duck served as a stark reminder of how this sport can bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, his tepid chip to mid-wicket arriving barely 24 hours after securing a massive multi-million dollar contract in the Indian Premier League. The Keeper's Priceless Contribution Steadies The Innings. Carey's day, however, was nothing short of invaluable, culminating at late afternoon when he drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three which prompted the Adelaide faithful to rise with a roar. Coming off his virtuoso display with the gloves at the Gabba, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 off 143 balls ensured that the post-lunch wobble of 94 for four did not become a complete crisis. The 34-year-old is a serious cricketer these days. The Australian batting lineup did leave a few potential runs on the field, however. Absent was that excessive bounce of the first two Tests and in its place just a hint of seam movement if a good length was hit. There was also some grip to off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his control was typical of a part-time spinner – hence figures of two for 105 from his 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to turn sharply will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon. Emotional Context and A Late Switch. The day's play was inevitably a poignant day for the host nation, coming so shortly in the wake of a devastating tragic incident in Bondi. A minute's silence prior to the start of play was immaculately observed, broken only by folk singer John Williams performing a stirring rendition of 'True Blue'. Earlier, Australia were also compelled to make an alteration from their announced XI. Steve Smith was withdrawn due to dizziness and nausea in the morning – seemingly return of the vertigo which has periodically affected the star batter since he was struck by Archer at Lord’s six years ago. His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his international career could be finished. Before Carey's arrival, Khawaja had expertly held the Australian innings steady, walking out with the score on 33/2 and crafting 82 off 126 balls just a day from his 39th birthday. Stands of 61 with Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Alex Carey were crucial. England's Frustration Persists. Archer aside, and despite the sapping conditions, this was yet another disappointing day from England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat continued his inconsistent form from the series, finishing with figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 in 15 overs. Carse was erratic when tasked with sharing the new cherry early on, overstepping five times yet removing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather summed up the day's play for both teams: moments of brilliance mixed with periods of sloppy play.