Alex Carey's Sparkling Century Aids The Hosts Bounce Back From An Early English Test Series Onslaught.

In the wake of that frenzy from Perth as well as the Gabba's pink-ball spectacle, a more familiar style of Test cricket broke out at the Adelaide ground. For the delighted home crowd, the day proved a day to enjoy, with their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman produced a magnificent century on his home turf as Australia the home side just shade the first day's play.

However, England, 2-0 down while clinging on in this contest, were too disheartened. Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like an ominous coin toss and, despite being not perfect, the English attack continued persevering in 35c conditions. At stumps, the Australians had reached 326-8 off 83 overs – runs on the board yet likely below their expectations when Pat Cummins got the choice in the morning.

Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Fightback.

The most impressive performer among England proved to be Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 from 16 overs were a powerful answer against the criticism that came his way. Here he visibly led the attack, clocking 88mph (142kmh) with the speedometer and offering Stokes a combination of accuracy and obvious threat. Only at the end of the day – during a single over with the fresh cherry – did he look a bit jaded.

Having bounced out Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's first over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three balls. Green's duck served as a reminder that this sport can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back to reality, his weak chip shot to mid-wicket arriving barely 24 hours following trousering a record multi-million dollar contract in the Indian Premier League.

The Keeper's Invaluable Innings Steadies The Innings.

Alex Carey's day, in contrast, was nothing short of priceless, culminating at 4.48pm when he drove Ben Stokes through cover for three runs which prompted the crowd to rise in a huge roar. Fresh from that masterful display behind the stumps at the Gabba, the left-hander's aggressive 106 off 143 deliveries ensured that the mid-innings stumble of 94/4 failed to develop into a complete crisis. The 34-year-old has become a genuinely cricketer nowadays.

Australia undoubtedly left some potential runs on the field, though. Absent was that excessive pace and bounce from the first two Tests and in its place just a hint of seam movement when the right area was located.

The pitch also offered some grip for Will Jacks, even if his consistency was typical of a part-time spinner – hence figures of two for 105 off his 20 overs – and the balls that did to turn sharply will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Emotional Context with Late Team Change.

This was inevitably an emotional day for the host nation, coming so soon after the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi. A minute's silence observed before the start of play was perfectly held, followed by folk singer John Williams delivering a stirring version of the anthem True Blue.

By this stage, the hosts had also been compelled to make a change to their announced starting eleven. Steve Smith was withdrawn due to feeling dizzy along with nausea first thing – seemingly return of the vertigo that has intermittently troubled the star batter ever since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's years back.

His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his Test career may be finished. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, the left-hander had expertly held the innings together, coming to the crease at 33 for two and finessing 82 off 126 deliveries a day out before turning 39. Stands worth 61 runs with Labuschagne and 91 runs with Carey were significant.

England's Frustration Persists.

Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the energy-sapping conditions, this was still another disappointing day for England’s attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his inconsistent form of the first two Tests, finishing with figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 in 15 overs.

Carse looked all over the shop when handed sharing the new ball early on, no-balling five times yet dismissing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a spectacular catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day's play for both teams: moments of brilliance mixed with some error-prone play.