Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Stunning Century Helps Australia Bounce Back From A Swift English Ashes Assault.
In the wake of that frenzy from the Perth Test and Brisbane's day-night spectacle, a more familiar style of the longest format returned on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the locals, it was one to cherish, as homegrown talent Alex Carey notched up a sparkling hundred on his home ground to help Australia edge day one.
Not that England, trailing 2-0 while clinging on in this contest, could be too disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a significant coin toss and, though far from at their best, his bowlers kept persevering in scorching heat. At stumps, Australia were 326-8 off 83 overs – a total on the board but surely below their expectations after captain Pat Cummins won the choice first thing.
Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Effort.
The standout for England was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 from his 16 overs were a strong riposte against the scrutiny directed at him this past week. On this day he visibly led the attack, averaging 88mph (142kph) on the speed gun while providing Stokes a combination of control together with obvious menace. Only at the very end of play – during a single over using the second new ball – did he look somewhat jaded.
Having dismissed opener Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's initial over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three deliveries. Green's duck was a reminder that this sport can bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder arriving less than 24 hours after trousering a massive multi-million dollar deal in the Indian Premier League.
Carey's Invaluable Contribution Steadies The Ship.
Carey's performance, in contrast, was nothing short of invaluable, culminating around late afternoon as he drove Ben Stokes through cover for three runs which prompted the crowd rose with a roar. Fresh from that masterful outing behind the stumps at the Gabba, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 runs from 143 deliveries ensured that a mid-innings stumble of 94/4 failed to develop into a complete crisis. At 34, Carey has become a serious cricketer these days.
Australia undoubtedly left some potential runs out there, though. Absent 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.
There was also a bit of turn to Will Jacks, even if his control was typical of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of two for 105 off 20 overs – and the balls he did get to turn sharply will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.
Solemn Backdrop with Late Switch.
The day's play was inevitably a poignant occasion for Australia, coming so shortly in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi. A minute's silence observed before the start of play was immaculately observed, followed by folk singer John Williams performing an emotional rendition of 'True Blue'.
Earlier, Australia had also been compelled to make a change from their stated XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting dizziness and sickness first thing – an apparent recurrence of a vertigo issue which has intermittently affected him ever since he was struck by Archer at Lord's six years ago.
In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his international career may be over. Before Carey's arrival, the left-hander had held the innings steady, coming to the crease with the score on 33 for two before finessing a fine 82 off 126 deliveries a day out from his 39th birthday. Stands of 61 with Labuschagne and 91 with Alex Carey proved significant.
England's Mixed Bag Persists.
Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the sapping heat, it remained still another frustrating day for England’s attack. Brydon Carse rather continued his form of the first two Tests, finishing with figures of 2/70 from 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue picked up 1/63 in 15 overs.
Carse looked erratic when handed sharing the new cherry first thing, no-balling five times but still removing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a sublime one-handed catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day's play for both sides: moments of brilliance mixed with periods of sloppy play.
