Australia's Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Assists Australia Regroup After Early England Ashes Charge.

In the wake of the frenzy of Perth as well as Brisbane's pink-ball palooza, a more traditional brand of red-ball cricket was witnessed at the Adelaide ground. For the South Australian fans, the day proved one to cherish, with their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman delivered an outstanding century at his home venue to help Australia edge the first day's play.

Not that England, trailing 2-0 while clinging on in the series, were entirely disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a significant coin toss and, though far from perfect, the English attack continued persevering in sweltering heat. At stumps, Australia were 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – runs on the board but surely below their ambitions when captain Pat Cummins got the choice in the morning.

The Pace of Archer Leads The Tourist's Resistance.

The most impressive performer among England was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 from his 16 overs were a strong riposte against the scrutiny that came this past week. Here he clearly spearheaded the attack, averaging 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun and offering Stokes both control and clear threat. It was only towards the end of the day – during a single over with the second new ball – did he look a bit jaded.

After bounced out Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's initial over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three balls. The all-rounder's golden duck served as a stark reminder of how cricket can bring a player back down to earth, his weak chip shot to mid-wicket occurring barely 24 hours after trousering a record £1.5m deal in the Indian Premier League.

Carey's Invaluable Contribution Steadies The Ship.

Alex Carey's day, however, was simply invaluable, culminating around 4.48pm when he drove Stokes through cover for three and the crowd to rise with a roar. Fresh from that virtuoso outing with the gloves in Brisbane, the left-hander's aggressive 106 runs off 143 balls made sure that the post-lunch wobble to 94 for four did not become a complete crisis. At 34, Carey is a genuinely Test match player these days.

Australia undoubtedly left a few potential runs out there, though. Absent was that excessive bounce from the opening matches and in its place just a hint of seam movement if a good length was located.

There was also a bit of grip to Will Jacks, even if his consistency was that of a part-time spinner – resulting in expensive figures of 2/105 off his 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to misbehave will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Context with Late Switch.

The day's play was inevitably a poignant day for Australia, coming so soon after the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi. The minute’s silence observed before the first ball was immaculately observed, followed by musician a rendition performing an emotional version of the anthem 'True Blue'.

By this stage, Australia were also forced into an alteration to their stated XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out after reporting dizziness and sickness in the morning – an apparent recurrence of a vertigo issue which has periodically troubled the star batter 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 may be over. Until the wicketkeeper's heroics, the left-hander had expertly held the Australian innings together, walking out at 33/2 and crafting 82 off 126 balls just a day from turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Labuschagne and 91 with Alex Carey were crucial.

England's Mixed Bag Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, this was yet another disappointing outing from England’s attack. Brydon Carse somewhat continued his form from the first two Tests, finishing with figures of 2/70 from his 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 in 15 overs.

Carse looked all over the shop when tasked with sharing the new ball early on, no-balling on five occasions yet removing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a spectacular one-handed catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather encapsulated the day for both teams: moments of brilliance mixed with some sloppy play.