Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Sparkling Century Aids Australia Recover From Early England Ashes Assault.

After that frenzy of the Perth Test as well as the Gabba's day-night palooza, an outbreak of traditional style regarding the longest format returned at Adelaide Oval. For the delighted South Australian fans, it was a day to savour, as homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up a magnificent hundred at his home venue to help the home side edge the opening day.

Not that The touring English side, trailing 2-0 and still fighting in this series, were too disheartened. Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared an ominous toss and, though far from perfect, the English attack kept plugging away in 35c heat. At stumps, the Australians were 326-8 from 83 overs bowled – a total on the board yet likely short of initial ambitions after captain Pat Cummins won the choice first thing.

The Pace of Archer Leads England's Fightback.

The standout among England proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 from his 16 overs were a powerful answer to some of criticism that came his way. On this day he visibly spearheaded the attack, clocking around 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun while providing Stokes a combination of control together with clear menace. Only at the very end of the day – during a single over using the fresh cherry – that he appeared somewhat weary.

After bounced out Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's initial over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three balls. Green's golden duck served as a stark reminder of how cricket can bring a player back down to earth, his tepid chip shot to mid-wicket occurring barely 24 hours after trousering a massive multi-million dollar deal in the IPL.

The Keeper's Priceless Contribution Steadies The Ship.

Carey's day, however, was nothing short of priceless, culminating around 4.48pm as he drove Ben Stokes through cover for three which prompted the Adelaide faithful rose in a huge roar. Fresh from that virtuoso outing with the gloves in Brisbane, his counterattacking 106 runs from 143 deliveries made sure that a mid-innings stumble of 94/4 did not become a full-blown collapse. The 34-year-old is a serious Test match player these days.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left a few potential runs on the field, though. Gone was the pronounced bounce from the first two Tests and in its place only a fraction of nibble if a good length was hit.

There was also some grip for Will Jacks, although his consistency was typical of a part-timer – hence figures of 2/105 off 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to turn sharply will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop and A Late Switch.

This was inevitably an emotional occasion for the host nation, arriving so shortly after a devastating terrorist attack at Bondi. A minute's silence observed prior to the start of play was immaculately observed, followed by musician John Williams delivering an emotional rendition of the anthem 'True Blue'.

By this stage, the hosts had also been compelled to make a change from their stated starting eleven. Steve Smith was withdrawn due to feeling dizzy along with sickness in the morning – an apparent return of the vertigo which has periodically troubled him since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his Test career may be finished. Until Carey's heroics, the left-hander had held the innings steady, walking out with the score on 33 for two and crafting 82 off 126 deliveries just a day from turning 39. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Carey proved significant.

England's Mixed Bag Continues.

Archer aside, and notwithstanding the energy-sapping conditions, it remained yet another disappointing day from England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat continued his form of the series, finishing with two for 70 off his 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 from 15 overs.

The Durham bowler looked all over the shop when handed sharing the new cherry early on, no-balling five times yet dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a sublime one-handed catch from Zak Crawley at cover. This moment summed up the day's play for both teams: brilliance mixed with some error-prone play.