Australia's Alex Carey's Brilliant Ton Assists The Baggy Greens Bounce Back After A Swift English Test Series Assault.
Following that pandemonium of Perth and the Gabba's pink-ball spectacle, an outbreak of familiar brand of Test cricket was witnessed at the Adelaide ground. For the delighted home crowd, it was one to savour, as local hero the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up a sparkling century on his home venue as Australia Australia edge the first day's play.
Not that England, 2-0 down and still fighting in the series, could be too disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like an ominous coin toss and, despite being far from at their best, the English attack kept toiling under scorching heat. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – runs on the board yet likely short of initial expectations after Pat Cummins won the choice in the morning.
Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Fightback.
The standout among the tourists was speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 off 16 overs constituted a powerful answer against some of criticism that came his way. On this day he clearly led the bowling unit, averaging around 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun while providing Stokes both accuracy and obvious threat. It was only towards the very end of the day – one over using the fresh cherry – did he look a bit jaded.
Having dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's initial over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three balls. Green's duck was a stark reminder that cricket can bring a player back to reality, his tepid chip to the mid-wicket fielder occurring less than 24 hours after securing a record multi-million dollar deal for the upcoming IPL.
The Keeper's Priceless Contribution Rescues The Ship.
Carey's day, in contrast, was nothing short of invaluable, peaking at 4.48pm when he drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three and the Adelaide faithful to rise with a roar. Coming off his virtuoso outing with the gloves at the Gabba, the left-hander's aggressive 106 runs off 143 balls made sure that the mid-innings stumble to 94/4 failed to develop into a full-blown collapse. The 34-year-old has become a genuinely cricketer these days.
Australia did leave a few runs out there, though. Gone was that pronounced bounce from the first two Tests and in its place only a fraction of nibble if the right area was hit.
The pitch also offered a bit of grip to Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-time spinner – hence figures of two for 105 off his 20 overs – and the balls that did to turn sharply will encourage Nathan Lyon.
Solemn Backdrop and Late Switch.
The day's play was inevitably a poignant day for the host nation, coming so soon after a devastating terrorist attack in Bondi. A minute's silence prior to the first ball was immaculately observed, broken only by musician John Williams performing an emotional version of 'True Blue'.
By this stage, the hosts had also been forced into a change to their announced XI. Steve Smith pulled out due to feeling dizzy along with sickness first thing – an apparent return of the vertigo that has intermittently troubled him ever since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s six years ago.
In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his Test career could be finished. Before the wicketkeeper's heroics, Khawaja had held the innings steady, coming to the crease at 33/2 and crafting a fine 82 from 126 balls a day out before his 39th birthday. Stands of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Carey proved crucial.
England's Mixed Bag Continues.
Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, it remained yet another frustrating outing from the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat continued his form from the series, finishing with figures of 2/70 from his 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 from 15 overs.
Carse was all over the shop when handed sharing the duty of the new ball early on, overstepping five times yet removing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a spectacular one-handed catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment encapsulated the day's play for both teams: brilliance mixed with periods of error-prone play.
