Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Sparkling Hundred Helps The Baggy Greens Regroup After A Swift England Ashes Charge.

In the wake of that frenzy from the Perth Test as well as Brisbane's day-night spectacle, a more familiar brand regarding red-ball cricket returned on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the delighted locals, the day proved one to cherish, with local hero the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up a magnificent hundred at his home ground to help the home side just shade the opening day.

Not that England, trailing 2-0 and still fighting in this contest, could be too disappointed. Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like a significant coin toss and, though far from at their best, his bowlers kept plugging away under 35c conditions. By the close of play, Australia were 326 for eight from 83 overs – runs on the board but surely below their expectations after Pat Cummins got the choice in the morning.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Effort.

The standout among England was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 from his 16 overs were a powerful riposte against the criticism directed at him his way. On this day he clearly led the bowling unit, averaging 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer while providing Stokes both control and obvious menace. Only at the very end of the day – one over using the second new ball – that he appeared a bit jaded.

Having dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. The all-rounder's duck served as a reminder of how this sport can bring a player back to reality, coming from weak chip to mid-wicket arriving barely 24 hours after securing a record £1.5m deal for the upcoming IPL.

Carey's Priceless Innings Rescues The Ship.

Alex Carey's performance, in contrast, was simply priceless, culminating at 4.48pm as he drove Ben Stokes through cover for three and the crowd rose in a huge roar. Fresh from that masterful display with the gloves in Brisbane, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 off 143 deliveries ensured that a post-lunch wobble to 94/4 failed to develop into a full-blown crisis. At 34, Carey has become a serious Test match player these days.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left some runs out there, however. Gone was that excessive pace and bounce of the opening matches and in its place just a hint of seam movement when a good length was located.

The pitch also offered a bit of turn for Will Jacks, although his control was that of a part-time spinner – hence figures of 2/105 off 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to misbehave will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop and Late Team Change.

This was always going to be an emotional day for the host nation, arriving so shortly after the horrific tragic incident at Bondi. A minute's silence observed prior to the start of play was immaculately held, followed by folk singer a rendition delivering a stirring rendition of True Blue.

By this stage, the hosts had also been compelled to make an alteration to their announced XI. Steve Smith pulled out after reporting feeling dizzy and nausea first thing – an apparent return of a vertigo issue which has intermittently troubled him ever since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's years back.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his Test career may be finished. Before Carey's arrival, Khawaja had expertly held the Australian innings steady, coming to the crease at 33 for two and finessing a fine 82 off 126 deliveries just a day before turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Labuschagne and 91 runs with Alex Carey proved significant.

England's Frustration Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the sapping conditions, it remained still another frustrating outing for England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather rolled over his inconsistent form from the series, picking up two for 70 from his 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue picked up 1/63 from 15 overs.

The Durham bowler was erratic when handed sharing the duty of the new ball first thing, overstepping five times yet removing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a sublime one-handed catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather encapsulated the day for both sides: brilliance interspersed with some error-prone play.