Alex Carey's Brilliant Century Assists The Baggy Greens Regroup From Early England Ashes Assault.

Following that chaos of Perth as well as the Gabba's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of familiar brand regarding red-ball cricket was witnessed on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the locals, the day proved one to cherish, as local hero Alex Carey delivered a sparkling century at his home venue as Australia Australia edge the opening day.

Not that The touring English side, 2-0 down and still fighting in the series, could be too disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what appeared an ominous coin toss and, though not perfect, the English attack continued plugging away in scorching conditions. By the close of play, the Australians had reached 326 for eight off 83 overs bowled – a total on the board yet likely below their ambitions when captain Pat Cummins got the choice in the morning.

Jofra Archer Leads The Tourist's Resistance.

The standout among England was speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 off his 16 overs constituted a powerful response to the scrutiny that came this past week. On this day he visibly spearheaded the attack, clocking around 88mph (142kmh) on the speed gun and offering his captain both accuracy together with obvious menace. Only at the very end of play – one over with the fresh cherry – that he appeared a bit weary.

After dismissed opener Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three balls. The all-rounder's golden duck served as a stark reminder that this sport can bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip to the mid-wicket fielder arriving barely 24 hours following securing a massive multi-million dollar contract in the Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Priceless Innings Steadies The Innings.

Carey's performance, however, was nothing short of invaluable, culminating around late afternoon when he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three runs and the Adelaide faithful rose with a roar. Coming off his masterful display with the gloves in Brisbane, the left-hander's aggressive 106 runs off 143 balls made sure that a 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.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left some runs on the field, though. Absent was the excessive pace and bounce of the opening matches replaced by only a fraction of nibble when the right area was hit.

The pitch also offered a bit of grip to off-spinner Will Jacks, although his consistency was typical of a part-timer – resulting in figures of 2/105 from his 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to misbehave will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context and A Late Team Change.

This was inevitably a poignant day for the host nation, coming so shortly after a devastating tragic incident at Bondi. A minute's silence prior to the first ball was perfectly held, followed by folk singer a rendition delivering an emotional version of True Blue.

Earlier, the hosts were also compelled to make an alteration from their announced XI. Steve Smith pulled out due to dizziness and nausea first thing – seemingly recurrence of the vertigo that has intermittently troubled the star batter since being felled 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 international career could be over. Until Carey's arrival, Khawaja had expertly held the innings together, walking out with the score on 33/2 before crafting 82 off 126 balls just a day from turning 39. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 with Alex Carey proved significant.

England's Frustration Continues.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, this was yet another disappointing day for England’s attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his inconsistent form of the first two Tests, picking up two for 70 off 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked all over the shop when tasked with sharing the new ball first thing, no-balling on five occasions yet 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 mixed with periods of sloppy play.