Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Stunning Century Aids The Baggy Greens Regroup From An Early England Ashes Onslaught.

After that chaos of the Perth Test and Brisbane's pink-ball palooza, an outbreak of familiar brand of Test cricket was witnessed on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the South Australian fans, it was a day to enjoy, as local hero Alex Carey produced a magnificent hundred on his home turf to help the home side just shade day one.

Not that England, trailing 2-0 while still fighting in this contest, were entirely disheartened. Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like an ominous toss and, despite being not perfect, the English attack continued plugging away under sweltering heat. By the close of play, the Australians were 326-8 off 83 overs – runs on the board but surely below their expectations when captain Pat Cummins won the choice first thing.

The Pace of Archer Leads England's Fightback.

The most impressive performer for England proved to be Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 off 16 overs constituted a powerful riposte against the scrutiny that came his way. Here he clearly spearheaded the bowling unit, clocking around 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer and offering his captain both control together with obvious menace. Only at the end of play – one over with the fresh cherry – that he appeared a bit weary.

Having dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three balls. Green's golden duck was a stark reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back to reality, coming from tepid chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder occurring barely 24 hours after securing a record £1.5m contract for the upcoming IPL.

The Keeper's Priceless Innings Steadies The Ship.

Alex Carey's performance, in contrast, was simply priceless, peaking around late afternoon when he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through cover for three which prompted the crowd rose with a roar. Fresh from his virtuoso outing with the gloves at the Gabba, the left-hander's aggressive 106 runs off 143 balls made sure that the mid-innings stumble to 94 for four did not become a full-blown collapse. The 34-year-old has become a genuinely cricketer nowadays.

The Australian batting lineup did leave some potential runs out there, however. Absent was that excessive pace and bounce from the opening matches and in its place just a hint of nibble when a good length was hit.

The pitch also offered some grip for off-spinner Will Jacks, although his control was typical of a part-time spinner – hence figures of 2/105 from 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to misbehave will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context and Late Team Change.

The day's play was inevitably an emotional day for the host nation, coming so soon after a devastating terrorist attack in Bondi. The minute’s silence before the start of play was immaculately observed, broken only by musician John Williams delivering an emotional rendition of the anthem 'True Blue'.

By this stage, Australia had also been compelled to make an alteration to their announced starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting dizziness and sickness first thing – an apparent recurrence of a vertigo issue that has intermittently troubled him 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 Test career could be over. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, Khawaja had expertly held the innings together, walking out at 33 for two and finessing a fine 82 from 126 deliveries a day out from his 39th birthday. Partnerships of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 with Carey proved significant.

The Tourist's Frustration Continues.

Archer aside, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, this was yet another frustrating outing from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his inconsistent form from the series, finishing with two for 70 from his 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue picked up 1/63 in 15 overs.

Carse was erratic when handed sharing the new cherry early on, no-balling five times yet removing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a spectacular one-handed catch from Zak Crawley at cover. It rather summed up the day for both sides: moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of sloppy cricket.