Alex Carey's Sparkling Ton Aids The Hosts Regroup After Early English Test Series Assault.

Following that chaos from the Perth Test and Brisbane's pink-ball palooza, a more traditional style of red-ball cricket was witnessed on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the delighted locals, it was one to savour, as local hero Alex Carey notched up a magnificent hundred at his home turf as Australia the home side just shade day one.

However, England, trailing 2-0 and still fighting in this series, were entirely disheartened. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like a crucial coin toss and, though far from at their best, his bowlers kept toiling under 35c conditions. At stumps, the Australians had reached 326-8 from 83 overs bowled – a total on the board yet likely below initial expectations when Pat Cummins got the choice in the morning.

Jofra Archer Leads England's Effort.

The most impressive performer among the tourists proved to be Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 off his 16 overs were a powerful response to the scrutiny that came his way. On this day he clearly led the attack, clocking 88mph (142kph) with the speed gun and offering his captain both accuracy together with obvious threat. It was only towards the very end of play – one over using the second new ball – that he appeared a bit jaded.

Having bounced out opener Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's first over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three deliveries. The all-rounder's golden duck was a stark reminder that this sport can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back to reality, coming from tepid chip shot to mid-wicket occurring less than a day following securing a record multi-million dollar contract in the Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Invaluable Innings Steadies The Innings.

Carey's day, in contrast, was nothing short of invaluable, peaking at 4.48pm when he elegantly drove Stokes through cover for three and the crowd rose with a roar. Coming off that masterful display with the gloves in Brisbane, the left-hander's aggressive 106 from 143 balls made sure that a post-lunch wobble of 94/4 failed to develop into a complete collapse. The 34-year-old has become a serious Test match player these days.

The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left a few potential runs on the field, however. Absent was that excessive bounce from the first two Tests and in its place just a hint of nibble if a good length was located.

The pitch also offered a bit of grip for Will Jacks, although his consistency was that of a part-timer – hence expensive figures of 2/105 from his 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to misbehave will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Backdrop and Late Switch.

This was inevitably an emotional day for the host nation, arriving so shortly in the wake of the horrific tragic incident at Bondi. The minute’s silence before the start of play was immaculately observed, followed by musician a rendition delivering an emotional version of 'True Blue'.

Earlier, Australia had also been forced into an alteration from their stated XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting dizziness and nausea in the morning – seemingly recurrence of a vertigo issue which has periodically troubled him since he was struck by Archer at Lord’s six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his international career could be over. Before Carey's arrival, the left-hander had expertly held the innings steady, coming to the crease with the score on 33 for two before crafting a fine 82 from 126 deliveries just a day from his 39th birthday. Stands worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 with Alex Carey proved crucial.

The Tourist's Mixed Bag Continues.

Archer aside, and notwithstanding the sapping conditions, it remained still another disappointing day for England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather rolled over his inconsistent form of the first two Tests, picking up figures of 2/70 from 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue picked up 1/63 from 15 overs.

The Durham bowler was erratic when tasked with sharing the new cherry early on, overstepping on five occasions yet removing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a spectacular catch from Zak Crawley at cover. It rather encapsulated the day's play for both teams: moments of brilliance interspersed with some sloppy play.