Australia's Alex Carey's Sparkling Ton Helps The Hosts Recover From A Swift English Ashes Charge.

In the wake of the frenzy of the Perth Test as well as the Gabba's pink-ball spectacle, a more familiar style regarding Test cricket was witnessed on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the locals, the day proved one to cherish, as homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up an outstanding century at his home venue to help the home side edge the first day's play.

However, England, 2-0 down while still fighting in the contest, could be too disappointed. Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a significant toss and, despite being far from at their best, his bowlers continued plugging away in scorching conditions. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – a total on the board but surely short of initial ambitions after Pat Cummins won the choice in the morning.

The Pace of Archer Leads England's Fightback.

The standout for the tourists was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 from his 16 overs constituted a strong riposte to some of criticism that came this past week. On this day he clearly spearheaded the attack, clocking around 88mph (142kmh) with the speedometer while providing Stokes a combination of accuracy and clear menace. It was only towards the very end of the day – during a single over using the fresh cherry – did he look a bit weary.

Having dismissed Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's initial over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three balls. Green's duck served as a reminder of how cricket can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, his weak chip to the mid-wicket fielder occurring less than a day following trousering a massive multi-million dollar contract in the IPL.

Carey's Priceless Innings Rescues The Ship.

Carey's day, however, was nothing short of priceless, culminating at 4.48pm as he elegantly drove Stokes through cover for three and the Adelaide faithful to rise in a huge roar. Fresh from that virtuoso outing behind the stumps at the Gabba, his counterattacking 106 runs off 143 deliveries ensured that the post-lunch wobble to 94 for four did not become a full-blown collapse. At 34, Carey has become a genuinely Test match player nowadays.

Australia undoubtedly left some runs on the field, however. Gone was the pronounced pace and bounce from the opening matches and in its place just a hint of nibble if the right area was located.

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

Emotional Backdrop and A Late Switch.

This was inevitably a poignant occasion for the host nation, arriving so soon in the wake of the horrific tragic incident at Bondi. A minute's silence prior to the start of play was perfectly held, followed by folk singer a rendition delivering an emotional rendition of True Blue.

Earlier, Australia were also forced into a change to their stated starting eleven. Steve Smith pulled out after reporting dizziness along with sickness first thing – an apparent return of the vertigo that has periodically troubled him since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his Test career could be finished. Until the wicketkeeper's arrival, the left-hander had held the innings steady, walking out at 33/2 and crafting a fine 82 off 126 deliveries just a day before his 39th birthday. Stands of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 with Alex Carey were significant.

The Tourist's Frustration Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the energy-sapping heat, this was yet another disappointing day from England’s attack. Brydon Carse rather rolled over his inconsistent form of the first two Tests, picking up two for 70 off his 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 in 15 overs.

Carse was all over the shop when handed sharing the new ball first thing, no-balling five times yet dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a spectacular catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day's play for both sides: brilliance interspersed with some sloppy cricket.