Alex Carey's Stunning Hundred Helps The Baggy Greens Bounce Back After An Early England Test Series Charge.

Following that pandemonium of the Perth Test as well as the Gabba's day-night palooza, a more traditional style of the longest format was witnessed at Adelaide Oval. For the home crowd, it was one to savour, with homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman produced a magnificent century on his home venue to help the home side edge the opening day.

However, The touring English side, 2-0 down while clinging on in the contest, could be entirely disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a crucial toss and, despite being far from perfect, his bowlers continued plugging away under scorching conditions. At stumps, the Australians were 326 for eight off 83 overs bowled – runs on the board but surely short of their ambitions after captain Pat Cummins won the toss in the morning.

The Pace of Archer Leads England's Fightback.

The most impressive performer among England was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 from his 16 overs were a strong riposte to some of criticism directed at him his way. On this day he visibly spearheaded the bowling unit, averaging 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun while providing his captain a combination of accuracy and obvious threat. Only at the end of the day – during a single over using the second new ball – that he appeared somewhat jaded.

After dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's initial over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. The all-rounder's golden duck served as a stark reminder that cricket can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, coming from weak chip shot to mid-wicket arriving barely 24 hours after securing a record multi-million dollar contract in the Indian Premier League.

Carey's Invaluable Innings Steadies The Ship.

Carey's day, in contrast, was simply invaluable, peaking at late afternoon when he drove Ben Stokes through cover for three and the Adelaide faithful rose with a roar. Fresh from his masterful display behind the stumps in Brisbane, his aggressive 106 runs from 143 balls made sure that a post-lunch wobble to 94/4 failed to develop into a complete crisis. At 34, Carey is a serious Test match player these days.

Australia undoubtedly left a few potential runs on the field, though. Gone was the excessive pace and bounce from the first two Tests and in its place just a hint of nibble when a good length was located.

The pitch also offered some turn for Will Jacks, although his consistency was that of a part-timer – hence expensive figures of two for 105 from his 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to turn sharply will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context and A Late Switch.

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

By this stage, Australia had also been forced into a change to their announced XI. 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 since he was struck by Archer at Lord's six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his Test career could be finished. Before the wicketkeeper's heroics, Khawaja had expertly held the innings steady, walking out with the score on 33 for two and finessing 82 from 126 balls just a day before his 39th birthday. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Carey were crucial.

England's Frustration Continues.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, it remained yet another frustrating outing from the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his inconsistent form of the series, finishing with two for 70 from his 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 from 15 overs.

The Durham bowler was erratic when handed sharing the duty of the new ball first thing, overstepping on five occasions yet removing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a sublime catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment encapsulated the day for both sides: brilliance interspersed with periods of error-prone cricket.