Alex Carey's Sparkling Century Helps The Baggy Greens Regroup From Early English Test Series Onslaught.

In the wake of that pandemonium of the Perth Test and Brisbane's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of traditional brand of the longest format returned at Adelaide Oval. For the delighted home crowd, the day proved a day to cherish, with local hero the wicketkeeper-batsman delivered a sparkling hundred on his home ground as Australia the home side edge the first day's play.

Not that England, trailing 2-0 and still fighting in the contest, could be entirely downbeat. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a crucial toss and, despite being far from perfect, his bowlers kept persevering under 35c conditions. At stumps, the Australians had reached 326 for eight off 83 overs bowled – a total on the board but surely below initial expectations when captain Pat Cummins won the toss first thing.

The Pace of Archer Stands Out For England's Fightback.

The most impressive performer among the tourists proved to be Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 off his 16 overs were a powerful riposte against the scrutiny directed at him his way. Here he visibly led the attack, averaging around 88mph (142kph) on the speedometer and offering Stokes a combination of control and obvious menace. Only at the very end of play – one over with the second new ball – that he appeared somewhat weary.

Having dismissed opener Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's initial over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. Green's golden duck was a reminder that cricket can swiftly bring a player back to reality, his tepid chip to mid-wicket occurring barely a day following securing a record multi-million dollar deal for the upcoming IPL.

The Keeper's Invaluable Contribution Steadies The Ship.

Carey's day, in contrast, was nothing short of invaluable, peaking around late afternoon when he elegantly drove Stokes through the covers for three and the Adelaide faithful rose in a huge roar. Coming off his masterful outing with the gloves in Brisbane, the left-hander's aggressive 106 runs from 143 balls ensured that a mid-innings stumble to 94/4 failed to develop into a full-blown collapse. The 34-year-old is a genuinely cricketer nowadays.

Australia did leave some runs on the field, however. Absent was that pronounced pace and bounce from the opening matches replaced by just a hint of seam movement if the right area was hit.

There was also some turn to off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-timer – hence figures of two for 105 from 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to misbehave will encourage Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop and A Late Switch.

The day's play was always going to be an emotional day for Australia, coming so soon in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi. The minute’s silence before the start of play was immaculately observed, followed by musician John Williams performing an emotional version of the anthem 'True Blue'.

By this stage, Australia had also been compelled to make a change from their announced XI. Steve Smith was withdrawn due to feeling dizzy and nausea first thing – seemingly recurrence of a vertigo issue that has periodically affected him since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his Test career could be finished. Until the wicketkeeper's heroics, the left-hander had held the innings together, walking out at 33/2 and crafting a fine 82 from 126 balls just a day before turning 39. Stands worth 61 runs with Labuschagne and 91 with Alex Carey proved crucial.

England's Frustration Continues.

Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping conditions, this was yet another frustrating outing for England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather rolled over his inconsistent form of the series, picking up figures of 2/70 from 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 in 15 overs.

Carse looked erratic when tasked with sharing the duty of the new ball early on, overstepping five times but still removing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a spectacular one-handed catch from Zak Crawley at cover. This moment encapsulated the day's play for both sides: brilliance interspersed with some error-prone cricket.