Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Stunning Century Assists The Hosts Regroup From An Early England Test Series Assault.

Following that frenzy of the Perth Test as well as Brisbane's day-night palooza, an outbreak of traditional brand of red-ball cricket broke out on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the South Australian fans, it was a day to savour, as homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman delivered a magnificent century at his home turf to help the home side just shade the opening day.

However, England, trailing 2-0 and clinging on in the contest, were too downbeat. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared an ominous coin toss and, though far from perfect, his bowlers kept toiling under sweltering heat. At stumps, Australia were 326-8 off 83 overs – runs on the board yet likely short of their ambitions after Pat Cummins won the toss in the morning.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Resistance.

The standout among England was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 off his 16 overs were a strong riposte against some of criticism that came this past week. Here he visibly spearheaded the attack, averaging 88mph (142kph) with the speed gun and offering his captain a combination of accuracy and obvious menace. It was only towards the very end of play – one over with the fresh cherry – that he appeared somewhat weary.

After dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's first over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three deliveries. The all-rounder's duck was a stark reminder of how cricket can bring even a celebrated player back to reality, coming from tepid chip to the mid-wicket fielder occurring less than a day following trousering a massive £1.5m deal in the IPL.

Carey's Priceless Innings Steadies The Innings.

Carey's day, in contrast, was simply priceless, culminating around 4.48pm when he drove Ben Stokes through cover for three which prompted the crowd to rise with a roar. Fresh from that virtuoso outing behind the stumps at the Gabba, his aggressive 106 from 143 deliveries made sure that a mid-innings stumble to 94 for four failed to develop into a full-blown crisis. At 34, Carey is a serious Test match player these days.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left a few potential runs on the field, however. Gone was the pronounced bounce from the first two Tests replaced by only a fraction of seam movement if a good length was hit.

The pitch also offered some grip to Will Jacks, even if his consistency was that of a part-time spinner – hence figures of 2/105 off his 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to turn sharply will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Backdrop and A Late Switch.

The day's play was inevitably a poignant occasion for Australia, coming so shortly after the horrific tragic incident in Bondi. A minute's silence before the start of play was perfectly held, followed by musician a rendition performing an emotional rendition of True Blue.

Earlier, Australia were also compelled to make a change to their announced starting eleven. Steve Smith pulled out due to dizziness along with nausea in the morning – an apparent return of a vertigo issue which has periodically affected him ever since he was struck by Archer at Lord’s six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated 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 for two and crafting 82 from 126 balls just a day from turning 39. Stands of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 with Carey were significant.

England's Mixed Bag Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the energy-sapping conditions, it remained still another frustrating day for the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat continued his inconsistent form from the first two Tests, finishing with two for 70 from 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue picked up 1/63 from 15 overs.

Carse was erratic when tasked with sharing the duty of the new ball first thing, overstepping on five occasions but still removing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a sublime catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather encapsulated the day for both sides: moments of brilliance interspersed with some sloppy play.