Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Aids The Hosts Recover From An Early English Ashes Charge.

In the wake of that chaos of the Perth Test as well as the Gabba's pink-ball palooza, an outbreak of traditional style of Test cricket was witnessed on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the delighted home crowd, it was one to enjoy, with local hero Alex Carey delivered a sparkling hundred at his home ground to help Australia just shade day one.

Not that England, trailing 2-0 while clinging on in this contest, could be too disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a crucial coin toss and, despite being not at their best, the English attack continued persevering in sweltering conditions. At stumps, Australia were 326 for eight off 83 overs – runs on the board yet likely below initial expectations after Pat Cummins won the choice in the morning.

The Pace of Archer Leads The Tourist's Resistance.

The most impressive performer for England proved to be Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 from his 16 overs constituted a powerful response against the criticism that came this past week. On this day he visibly spearheaded the attack, clocking 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer while providing Stokes a combination of accuracy together with obvious threat. It was only towards the end of play – during a single over using the second new ball – did he look somewhat jaded.

After bounced out Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's first over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three balls. The all-rounder's duck was a stark reminder that cricket can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back to reality, coming from tepid chip to the mid-wicket fielder arriving barely a day after trousering a record £1.5m deal for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Priceless Contribution Steadies The Innings.

Alex Carey's day, however, was nothing short of invaluable, culminating around late afternoon when he drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three runs and the crowd to rise with a roar. Coming off that masterful display with the gloves in Brisbane, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 runs off 143 balls made sure that a mid-innings stumble of 94 for four did not become a full-blown collapse. At 34, Carey has become a serious cricketer these days.

The Australian batting lineup did leave some potential runs out there, however. Gone was that pronounced bounce of the opening matches and in its place just a hint of seam movement if the right area was located.

There was also some grip to off-spinner Will Jacks, although his control was that of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of 2/105 from 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to turn sharply will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context with Late Switch.

This was inevitably an emotional day for the host nation, coming so shortly after the horrific tragic incident in Bondi. A minute's silence prior to the start of play was perfectly observed, broken only by folk singer John Williams performing an emotional version of 'True Blue'.

Earlier, the hosts were also forced into a change from their announced XI. Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting feeling dizzy and sickness in the morning – an apparent recurrence of the vertigo which has intermittently troubled the star batter ever since he was struck by Archer at Lord’s six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his Test career may be over. Before the wicketkeeper's heroics, Khawaja had held the Australian innings steady, walking out at 33 for two before crafting a fine 82 from 126 balls a day out from turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Carey proved significant.

The Tourist's Mixed Bag Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, this was still another frustrating day for England’s attack. Brydon Carse rather continued his form of the series, picking up two for 70 off his 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked all over the shop when handed sharing the new ball first thing, overstepping on five occasions but still removing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a sublime catch by Zak Crawley at cover. It rather encapsulated the day's play for both teams: brilliance mixed with periods of sloppy cricket.