Alex Carey's Sparkling Ton Helps The Hosts Bounce Back From Early English Test Series Assault.

Following that chaos of Perth and Brisbane's day-night spectacle, a more traditional style of the longest format broke out at the Adelaide ground. For the South Australian fans, it was one to cherish, as homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman produced a magnificent century on his home venue as Australia the home side just shade day one.

However, England, trailing 2-0 and clinging on in the series, could be entirely disappointed. Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared an ominous coin toss and, though not perfect, his bowlers kept toiling in sweltering heat. At stumps, Australia were 326-8 off 83 overs bowled – runs on the board yet likely below initial expectations after Pat Cummins won the toss first thing.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Resistance.

The standout for England proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 from 16 overs constituted a powerful answer against some of scrutiny that came his way. Here he visibly spearheaded the attack, averaging around 88mph (142kph) on the speed gun while providing his captain a combination of accuracy and clear menace. Only at the very end of the day – one over with the fresh cherry – did he look a bit jaded.

Having bounced out opener Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's first over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three deliveries. The all-rounder's duck was a reminder that this sport can swiftly bring a player back to reality, coming from weak chip to mid-wicket occurring barely 24 hours after securing a record multi-million dollar deal for the upcoming IPL.

Carey's Priceless Contribution Steadies The Innings.

Carey's performance, however, was nothing short of priceless, peaking at late afternoon when he drove Stokes through the covers for three runs and the Adelaide faithful to rise in a huge roar. Coming off his masterful display behind the stumps in Brisbane, his aggressive 106 runs off 143 balls ensured that the post-lunch wobble of 94 for four did not become a full-blown crisis. The 34-year-old is a genuinely cricketer these days.

Australia undoubtedly left some potential runs on the field, though. Absent was the pronounced pace and bounce from the first two Tests replaced by just a hint of nibble when the right area was located.

There was also a bit of turn to Will Jacks, although his consistency was that of a part-timer – resulting in figures of two for 105 from 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to misbehave will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop with Late Switch.

This was inevitably an emotional day for Australia, arriving so soon in the wake of the horrific tragic incident in Bondi. The minute’s silence observed prior to the start of play was perfectly observed, followed by folk singer John Williams delivering a stirring rendition of True Blue.

Earlier, Australia were also compelled to make an alteration from their stated starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out due to feeling dizzy along with sickness first thing – seemingly recurrence of a vertigo issue that has intermittently troubled him since he was struck by Archer 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 the wicketkeeper's arrival, Khawaja had held the innings steady, coming to the crease at 33 for two before crafting a fine 82 off 126 deliveries a day out from his 39th birthday. Stands of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Alex Carey were crucial.

The Tourist's Mixed Bag Continues.

Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping conditions, it remained still another disappointing outing for the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his inconsistent form of the series, finishing with figures of 2/70 off 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 from 15 overs.

Carse looked erratic when handed sharing the new cherry first thing, no-balling five times yet removing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a sublime catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day for both sides: moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of error-prone play.