Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Aids Australia Recover After Early England Test Series Onslaught.

In the wake of that chaos from Perth and the Gabba's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of familiar style of the longest format was witnessed on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the home crowd, the day proved a day to cherish, as their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up an outstanding century on his home ground to help the home side just shade day one.

However, England, trailing 2-0 while clinging on in the contest, could be too downbeat. Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a significant coin toss and, despite being not perfect, his bowlers continued plugging away in scorching heat. By the close of play, the Australians had reached 326 for eight off 83 overs – runs on the board yet likely short of their ambitions when Pat Cummins got the toss in the morning.

Jofra Archer Leads England's Resistance.

The most impressive performer among England was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 from his 16 overs constituted a strong riposte against some of criticism that came his way. Here he visibly spearheaded the attack, averaging 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun while providing his captain both control and obvious menace. Only at the end of the day – during a single over with the fresh cherry – did he look somewhat weary.

After bounced out opener Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's first over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. The all-rounder's duck was a reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, his weak chip to mid-wicket occurring less than a day following securing a massive multi-million dollar deal for the upcoming IPL.

Carey's Invaluable Contribution Steadies The Innings.

Alex Carey's day, in contrast, was simply priceless, culminating at 4.48pm as he elegantly drove Stokes through cover for three runs and the crowd to rise in a huge roar. Coming off his masterful outing behind the stumps in Brisbane, the left-hander's aggressive 106 off 143 balls made sure that a mid-innings stumble of 94/4 failed to develop into a complete collapse. At 34, Carey is a genuinely cricketer these days.

The Australian batting lineup did leave some potential runs on the field, though. Gone was the excessive bounce of the first two Tests replaced by just a hint of nibble if a good length was hit.

There was also a bit of turn for Will Jacks, even if his control was typical of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of two for 105 off his 20 overs – and the balls that did to misbehave will give hope to Nathan Lyon.

Solemn Backdrop and A Late Switch.

This was inevitably a poignant day for Australia, coming so soon after the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi. A minute's silence observed before the start of play was perfectly observed, followed by musician a rendition delivering a stirring version of True Blue.

By this stage, Australia were also compelled to make a change to their stated XI. Steve Smith was withdrawn due to dizziness and nausea in the morning – an apparent recurrence of the vertigo which has intermittently affected the star batter since being felled by Archer at Lord’s six years ago.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his international career could be over. Until Carey's arrival, the left-hander had expertly held the Australian innings steady, coming to the crease at 33 for two before finessing a fine 82 off 126 balls just a day before turning 39. Stands worth 61 runs with Labuschagne and 91 runs with Alex Carey were crucial.

England's Mixed Bag Continues.

Archer aside, and notwithstanding the energy-sapping conditions, this was yet another disappointing day from England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his inconsistent form of the series, picking up figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 in 15 overs.

The Durham bowler was erratic when handed sharing the new ball first thing, no-balling on five occasions but still removing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a sublime catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather encapsulated the day for both teams: brilliance mixed with periods of error-prone cricket.