Australia's Alex Carey's Sparkling Century Aids Australia Bounce Back After A Swift England Ashes Charge.
After the pandemonium of Perth as well as the Gabba's pink-ball palooza, a more traditional brand of the longest format was witnessed on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the South Australian fans, the day proved one to cherish, as homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up an outstanding century at his home turf as Australia Australia just shade day one.
Not that England, 2-0 down and still fighting in this contest, were too disheartened. Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a crucial coin toss and, despite being not perfect, his bowlers kept plugging away in sweltering heat. By the close of play, Australia were 326 for eight from 83 overs – a total on the board but surely short of their ambitions when captain Pat Cummins won the toss first thing.
Jofra Archer Leads The Tourist's Fightback.
The most impressive performer for England proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 from 16 overs were a strong response to the scrutiny that came his way. On this day he clearly spearheaded the attack, averaging 88mph (142kmh) with the speedometer while providing his captain a combination of accuracy together with clear threat. It was only towards the very end of the day – one over with the fresh cherry – that he appeared somewhat jaded.
Having dismissed opener Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's first over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three deliveries. The all-rounder's duck served as a reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, his weak chip to the mid-wicket fielder occurring less than a day after trousering a massive £1.5m deal in the Indian Premier League.
Carey's Invaluable Contribution Rescues The Innings.
Alex Carey's performance, however, was nothing short of priceless, peaking around late afternoon as he elegantly drove Stokes through the covers for three runs which prompted the Adelaide faithful to rise in a huge roar. Fresh from that masterful display with the gloves at the Gabba, his aggressive 106 off 143 balls ensured that a mid-innings stumble of 94/4 failed to develop into a complete collapse. The 34-year-old has become a genuinely cricketer these days.
Australia undoubtedly left some potential runs on the field, though. Absent was the excessive pace and bounce of the first two Tests replaced by only a fraction of nibble if a good length was hit.
There was also a bit of grip for Will Jacks, even if his consistency was that of a part-timer – resulting in figures of 2/105 off 20 overs – and the balls that did to turn sharply will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.
Solemn Backdrop with Late Switch.
The day's play was always going to be an emotional occasion for the host nation, arriving so soon after a devastating tragic incident in Bondi. A minute's silence before the start of play was perfectly observed, broken only by musician a rendition performing an emotional rendition of the anthem 'True Blue'.
Earlier, the hosts were also compelled to make an alteration from their stated starting eleven. Steve Smith was withdrawn due to feeling dizzy and nausea first thing – an apparent return of a vertigo issue which has periodically affected him ever since he was struck by Archer at Lord's years back.
His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his Test career could be finished. Until Carey's heroics, the left-hander had expertly held the innings steady, coming to the crease with the score on 33 for two and finessing a fine 82 from 126 deliveries a day out from turning 39. Stands of 61 with Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Alex Carey proved significant.
England's Mixed Bag Continues.
Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the energy-sapping conditions, this was yet another disappointing outing from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his form of the series, picking up two for 70 off his 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 in 15 overs.
The Durham bowler was all over the shop when handed sharing the duty of the new ball early on, no-balling five times but still dismissing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a spectacular one-handed catch from Zak Crawley at cover. It rather encapsulated the day for both sides: brilliance interspersed with periods of sloppy cricket.
