Alex Carey's Stunning Century Helps The Baggy Greens Regroup After A Swift English Ashes Charge.

Following the chaos from the Perth Test and Brisbane's pink-ball palooza, an outbreak of traditional brand of Test cricket broke out on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the home crowd, the day proved one to cherish, as homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman delivered an outstanding century on his home venue as Australia the home side edge the opening day.

Not that England, trailing 2-0 while still fighting in this contest, could be too disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a crucial toss and, despite being far from at their best, his bowlers continued plugging away in scorching conditions. At stumps, the Australians were 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – a total on the board but surely short of their expectations after Pat Cummins got the toss in the morning.

Jofra Archer Leads England's Resistance.

The most impressive performer among the tourists proved to be Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 off his 16 overs were a powerful answer to the criticism that came this past week. Here he clearly spearheaded the bowling unit, clocking 88mph (142kmh) with the speedometer while providing his captain a combination of control and obvious threat. Only at the very end of the day – during a single over using the second new ball – that he appeared somewhat jaded.

Having bounced out opener Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three balls. The all-rounder's golden duck was a reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back to reality, his weak chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder arriving barely a day following securing a massive multi-million dollar deal in the Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Invaluable Contribution Rescues The Innings.

Carey's day, in contrast, was simply priceless, peaking at 4.48pm when he drove Ben Stokes through cover for three which prompted the Adelaide faithful rose in a huge roar. Coming off that masterful outing behind the stumps at the Gabba, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 from 143 balls made sure that a post-lunch wobble of 94 for four failed to develop into a complete crisis. The 34-year-old has become a serious Test match player nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left some potential runs out there, though. Gone was that pronounced bounce from the opening matches replaced by just a hint of seam movement when a good length was located.

The pitch also offered a bit of grip to Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-time spinner – hence figures of 2/105 from 20 overs – and the balls he did get to misbehave will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop and A Late Switch.

The day's play was always going to be an emotional occasion for the host nation, coming so shortly in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi. The minute’s silence prior to the start of play was immaculately observed, broken only by musician John Williams delivering a stirring version of the anthem True Blue.

Earlier, Australia had also been compelled to make an alteration to their stated XI. Steve Smith was withdrawn due to dizziness and sickness in the morning – seemingly recurrence of the vertigo that has intermittently affected the star batter ever since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s years back.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his Test career may be over. Before the wicketkeeper's heroics, the left-hander had expertly held the innings together, coming to the crease with the score on 33 for two and finessing a fine 82 off 126 balls a day out before turning 39. Stands of 61 with Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Alex Carey were crucial.

The Tourist's Frustration Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the energy-sapping conditions, it remained still another disappointing outing for England’s 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 incoming Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 from 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked erratic when tasked with sharing the duty of the new cherry early on, overstepping on five occasions yet removing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a spectacular one-handed catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day's play for both teams: brilliance mixed with periods of sloppy play.