Australia's Alex Carey's Stunning Century Aids The Baggy Greens Bounce Back After A Swift English Ashes Charge.

Following the frenzy from the Perth Test and Brisbane's day-night palooza, an outbreak of traditional style of Test cricket returned on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the delighted locals, the day proved a day to savour, as homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up a magnificent hundred at his home ground to help the home side edge day one.

Not that England, trailing 2-0 and still fighting in this series, could be too disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a crucial toss and, though far from at their best, his bowlers kept persevering under sweltering conditions. At stumps, Australia were 326 for eight off 83 overs – runs on the board yet likely short of their ambitions when Pat Cummins won the toss first thing.

The Pace of Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Fightback.

The standout among England proved to be Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 off his 16 overs were a powerful riposte to the criticism that came this past week. On this day he visibly led the bowling unit, clocking 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun while providing Stokes both control together with clear threat. It was only towards the very end of the day – during a single over with the second new ball – that he appeared a bit weary.

Having dismissed Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's first over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three balls. Green's golden duck was a reminder of how cricket can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip to the mid-wicket fielder arriving less than 24 hours following securing a massive multi-million dollar deal for the upcoming IPL.

Carey's Invaluable Innings Steadies The Ship.

Carey's day, in contrast, was simply priceless, peaking around 4.48pm as he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three runs which prompted the Adelaide faithful to rise with a roar. Coming off that masterful display behind the stumps in Brisbane, the left-hander's aggressive 106 off 143 deliveries made sure that the mid-innings stumble to 94 for four failed to develop into a full-blown collapse. The 34-year-old has become a genuinely Test match player nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left a few potential runs out there, however. Gone was that pronounced pace and bounce from the opening matches and in its place just a hint of nibble when the right area was hit.

There was also a bit of grip to off-spinner Will Jacks, although his control was that of a part-time spinner – hence expensive figures of 2/105 from 20 overs – and the balls he did get to turn sharply will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Backdrop and Late Switch.

This was inevitably an emotional day for the host nation, coming so shortly after the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi. The minute’s silence before the start of play was perfectly observed, broken only by folk singer John Williams performing an emotional rendition of the anthem True Blue.

Earlier, the hosts had also been forced into an alteration from their stated starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out after reporting feeling dizzy along with sickness in the morning – an apparent return of the vertigo which has periodically affected him ever since being felled by Archer at Lord's years back.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his international career may be finished. Until the wicketkeeper's heroics, the left-hander had held the Australian innings steady, coming to the crease at 33 for two before finessing a fine 82 from 126 deliveries a day out before turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Labuschagne and 91 with Alex Carey were crucial.

The Tourist's Mixed Bag Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the sapping conditions, this was still another frustrating day from the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather rolled over his inconsistent form of the first two Tests, finishing with figures of 2/70 from 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler was all over the shop when handed sharing the duty of the new ball first thing, no-balling five times yet dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a spectacular one-handed catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather encapsulated the day for both sides: moments of brilliance mixed with some error-prone play.