Australia's Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Assists The Hosts Recover After Early England Ashes Onslaught.

In the wake of that chaos of Perth as well as the Gabba's pink-ball palooza, an outbreak of familiar brand regarding Test cricket was witnessed at the Adelaide ground. For the delighted locals, it was one to enjoy, as homegrown talent Alex Carey notched up a magnificent century on his home turf to help the home side just shade the first day's play.

However, The touring English side, trailing 2-0 and still fighting in the series, were entirely downbeat. Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a crucial toss and, though not at their best, his bowlers kept plugging away in sweltering conditions. At stumps, Australia were 326-8 off 83 overs – a total on the board but surely short of their ambitions when captain Pat Cummins won the toss first thing.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Fightback.

The most impressive performer for the tourists was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 from 16 overs constituted a powerful response against some of criticism that came his way. Here he visibly led the attack, averaging 88mph (142kph) with the speed gun while providing his captain a combination of control and obvious menace. It was only towards the very end of the day – one over using the second new ball – did he look somewhat weary.

After bounced out Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's initial over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. Green's duck was a stark reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip shot to mid-wicket occurring less than a day after trousering a record multi-million dollar contract in the IPL.

The Keeper's Priceless Innings Rescues The Ship.

Carey's day, in contrast, was nothing short of priceless, peaking around 4.48pm when he drove Ben Stokes through cover for three runs and the Adelaide faithful to rise in a huge roar. Coming off his masterful outing behind the stumps at the Gabba, the left-hander's aggressive 106 from 143 deliveries ensured that the post-lunch wobble to 94 for four did not become a full-blown crisis. The 34-year-old has become a genuinely Test match player nowadays.

Australia did leave some potential runs on the field, though. Gone was that excessive pace and bounce from the opening matches and in its place just a hint of nibble when the right area was located.

There was also some turn to off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his consistency was that of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of 2/105 off his 20 overs – and the balls that did to misbehave will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop and A Late Switch.

The day's play was always going to be a poignant day for the host nation, arriving so shortly after the horrific tragic incident at Bondi. The minute’s silence before the start of play was immaculately held, followed by musician John Williams delivering a stirring version of the anthem True Blue.

Earlier, Australia had also been forced into an alteration to their stated starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting feeling dizzy along with sickness in the morning – seemingly return of a vertigo issue that has intermittently affected the star batter since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his Test career could be finished. Until Carey's heroics, the left-hander had held the innings steady, coming to the crease at 33 for two before finessing a fine 82 from 126 deliveries just a day before his 39th birthday. Partnerships of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 with Carey proved significant.

The Tourist's Frustration Persists.

Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping heat, this was still another disappointing day for the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse rather rolled over his form from the first two Tests, picking up two for 70 from 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler was erratic when handed sharing the duty of the new ball early on, overstepping on five occasions but still removing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a sublime one-handed catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment encapsulated the day's play for both teams: moments of brilliance mixed with some sloppy cricket.