Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Sparkling Century Helps Australia Regroup From An Early English Ashes Onslaught.

In the wake of the chaos from Perth and Brisbane's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of traditional brand of the longest format returned on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the delighted locals, the day proved one to savour, as local hero the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up a sparkling hundred on his home venue to help Australia just shade the opening day.

Not that The touring English side, 2-0 down and still fighting in this contest, could be entirely downbeat. Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared an ominous coin toss and, despite being not at their best, his bowlers kept plugging away under scorching heat. At stumps, the Australians were 326 for eight off 83 overs bowled – runs on the board but surely below initial ambitions after Pat Cummins got the choice first thing.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Fightback.

The standout for England was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 from his 16 overs constituted a powerful riposte to some of criticism that came his way. Here he clearly spearheaded the bowling unit, averaging 88mph (142kph) with the speed gun while providing Stokes a combination of control together with obvious menace. It was only towards the very end of the day – one over using the second new ball – that he appeared a bit weary.

After dismissed opener Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's first over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three deliveries. The all-rounder's golden duck served as a reminder that this sport can swiftly bring a player back to reality, his weak chip shot to mid-wicket arriving barely 24 hours following trousering a record multi-million dollar contract in the IPL.

Carey's Invaluable Contribution Rescues The Innings.

Alex Carey's performance, however, was simply priceless, peaking at 4.48pm as he drove Stokes through cover for three which prompted the crowd to rise in a huge roar. Coming off that virtuoso display behind the stumps at the Gabba, his counterattacking 106 off 143 deliveries made sure that a mid-innings stumble of 94 for four did not become a complete collapse. The 34-year-old is a serious Test match player nowadays.

Australia undoubtedly left some runs out there, though. Gone was that pronounced bounce of the first two Tests replaced by just a hint of nibble when the right area was located.

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

Solemn Context and A Late Team Change.

The day's play was always going to be an emotional day for the host nation, coming so soon in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi. A minute's silence prior to the first ball was perfectly observed, broken only by folk singer a rendition performing a stirring version of 'True Blue'.

By this stage, the hosts were also compelled to make an alteration to their announced starting eleven. Steve Smith pulled out after reporting dizziness and nausea first thing – an apparent return of the vertigo that has intermittently troubled the star batter since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his international career may be finished. Until the wicketkeeper's arrival, Khawaja had expertly held the innings steady, walking out at 33/2 and crafting a fine 82 from 126 deliveries just a day before his 39th birthday. Stands worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Carey proved crucial.

The Tourist's Frustration Persists.

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

The Durham bowler looked erratic when tasked with sharing the duty of the new ball early on, overstepping on five occasions yet removing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a spectacular one-handed catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment encapsulated the day for both teams: brilliance interspersed with periods of error-prone play.