Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Sparkling Century Helps The Baggy Greens Bounce Back After An Early English Ashes Onslaught.
Following that pandemonium from the Perth Test as well as Brisbane's day-night palooza, a more traditional style of red-ball cricket broke out at the Adelaide ground. For the South Australian fans, the day proved one to savour, with local hero the wicketkeeper-batsman delivered a magnificent century at his home ground as Australia the home side edge the first day's play.
However, England, 2-0 down and still fighting in this contest, were too disappointed. Ben Stokes had lost what appeared an ominous toss and, though not perfect, his bowlers continued persevering in scorching heat. At stumps, the Australians had reached 326-8 off 83 overs bowled – runs on the board yet likely below initial expectations when Pat Cummins won the choice first thing.
Jofra Archer Leads England's Resistance.
The most impressive performer for the tourists was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 off his 16 overs were a powerful answer to the criticism directed at him this past week. Here he visibly spearheaded the bowling unit, averaging around 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun while providing Stokes a combination of control together with clear menace. Only at the very end of play – one over using the fresh cherry – that he appeared a bit weary.
After bounced out opener Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's first over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three deliveries. Green's golden duck served as a reminder that cricket can swiftly bring a player back to reality, coming from tepid chip to mid-wicket occurring less than 24 hours after trousering a massive £1.5m deal in the IPL.
The Keeper's Invaluable Contribution Rescues The Innings.
Alex Carey's day, in contrast, was nothing short of invaluable, peaking around 4.48pm as he elegantly drove Stokes through the covers for three runs and the Adelaide faithful rose with a roar. Fresh from his virtuoso outing behind the stumps at the Gabba, his counterattacking 106 off 143 deliveries made sure that the mid-innings stumble to 94/4 did not become a full-blown collapse. The 34-year-old is a serious Test match player these days.
Australia did leave a few runs out there, however. Gone was that pronounced bounce from the first two Tests replaced by only a fraction of seam movement if the right area was hit.
There was also some grip for off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of 2/105 from 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to turn sharply will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.
Solemn Backdrop with Late Switch.
This was always going to be a poignant day for Australia, arriving so soon after a devastating terrorist attack at Bondi. A minute's silence prior to the first ball was immaculately held, followed by folk singer a rendition performing a stirring rendition of 'True Blue'.
By this stage, the hosts had also been compelled to make a change from their announced starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out after reporting dizziness along with nausea in the morning – an apparent recurrence of a vertigo issue which has periodically troubled the star batter since he was struck by Archer at Lord's years back.
His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his Test career could be over. Until Carey's arrival, Khawaja had expertly held the innings together, coming to the crease at 33 for two before finessing a fine 82 off 126 deliveries just a day before turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Alex Carey were significant.
England's Mixed Bag Continues.
Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the sapping conditions, it remained yet another frustrating outing from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse rather rolled over his inconsistent form of the first two Tests, picking up figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 in 15 overs.
The Durham bowler looked all over the shop when tasked with sharing the duty of the new ball early on, overstepping on five occasions but still dismissing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a spectacular one-handed catch from Zak Crawley at cover. This moment encapsulated the day for both sides: brilliance mixed with periods of sloppy cricket.
