Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Helps Australia Bounce Back From Early English Ashes Assault.

In the wake of that pandemonium of the Perth Test and Brisbane's pink-ball spectacle, an outbreak of traditional style of the longest format broke out at the Adelaide ground. For the South Australian fans, the day proved one to enjoy, as local hero the wicketkeeper-batsman delivered a sparkling century at his home ground as Australia Australia edge day one.

Not that The touring English side, 2-0 down and clinging on in this series, could be too downbeat. Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a significant toss and, despite being far from perfect, his bowlers continued plugging away in sweltering conditions. By the close of play, the Australians were 326 for eight off 83 overs bowled – a total on the board yet likely below their expectations when captain Pat Cummins got the toss first thing.

Jofra Archer Leads The Tourist's Fightback.

The standout among England was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 from his 16 overs were a powerful answer to some of criticism that came this past week. On this day he clearly led the attack, averaging 88mph (142kph) with the speedometer and offering Stokes both control together with clear threat. Only at the very end of play – during a single over with the second new ball – did he look somewhat jaded.

After dismissed opener Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's initial over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. Green's duck served as a reminder of how this sport can bring even a celebrated player back to reality, his weak chip shot to mid-wicket arriving barely 24 hours after trousering a massive multi-million dollar deal in the Indian Premier League.

Carey's Priceless Innings Steadies The Innings.

Carey's performance, however, was simply invaluable, peaking at late afternoon when he elegantly 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 from 143 balls made sure that a mid-innings stumble of 94 for four failed to develop into a complete collapse. At 34, Carey has become a genuinely cricketer these days.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left some runs out there, though. Absent was the pronounced bounce of the first two Tests replaced by only a fraction of seam movement if the right area was located.

There was also a bit of grip for off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his consistency was that of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of 2/105 from 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to misbehave will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop and Late Switch.

This was inevitably an emotional day for the host nation, coming so soon after a devastating terrorist attack in Bondi. A minute's silence before the start of play was perfectly held, followed by musician John Williams performing a stirring rendition of the anthem 'True Blue'.

Earlier, the hosts had also been forced into an alteration to their stated starting eleven. Steve Smith pulled out after reporting feeling dizzy and nausea first thing – an apparent return of the vertigo which has intermittently troubled the star batter since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's years back.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his Test career could be finished. Until the wicketkeeper's heroics, the left-hander had held the Australian innings steady, walking out at 33/2 before crafting 82 off 126 deliveries just a day before turning 39. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 runs with Alex Carey were significant.

England's Frustration Continues.

Archer aside, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, it remained still another frustrating outing from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat continued his inconsistent form from the first two Tests, picking up figures of 2/70 from 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue picked up 1/63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked all over the shop when tasked with sharing the new ball first thing, overstepping five times yet dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a sublime catch by Zak Crawley at cover. This moment encapsulated the day's play for both sides: moments of brilliance interspersed with some error-prone cricket.