Alex Carey's Stunning Hundred Assists The Baggy Greens Bounce Back From A Swift England Ashes Charge.
Following that frenzy of Perth and the Gabba's day-night palooza, an outbreak of familiar style of Test cricket returned at Adelaide Oval. For the locals, it was a day to cherish, as homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up a magnificent century at his home turf to help Australia just shade the first day's play.
However, England, 2-0 down while still fighting in the series, were too disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a crucial coin toss and, despite being not at their best, the English attack continued toiling in sweltering heat. At stumps, the Australians had reached 326 for eight from 83 overs – a total on the board but surely short of initial expectations when Pat Cummins got the toss in the morning.
The Pace of Archer Stands Out For England's Fightback.
The most impressive performer among the tourists was Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 off his 16 overs constituted a powerful riposte to the criticism directed at him this past week. On this day he visibly spearheaded the attack, clocking 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun and offering Stokes both accuracy together with clear threat. Only at the very end of the day – during a single over using the second new ball – that he appeared a bit weary.
Having bounced out opener Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's first over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three balls. The all-rounder's golden duck was a reminder of how this sport can bring even a celebrated player back to reality, his weak chip to mid-wicket occurring barely 24 hours after securing a massive £1.5m deal for the upcoming Indian Premier League.
The Keeper's Invaluable Contribution Steadies The Ship.
Alex Carey's performance, in contrast, was simply priceless, culminating at late afternoon as he drove Stokes through the covers for three runs and the crowd to rise with a roar. Fresh from his masterful display with the gloves at the Gabba, his aggressive 106 off 143 deliveries made sure that the mid-innings stumble to 94/4 failed to develop into a full-blown crisis. The 34-year-old has become a genuinely Test match player these days.
Australia did leave some potential runs out there, however. Absent was that excessive bounce from the first two Tests and in its place just a hint of seam movement if the right area was located.
There was also some turn to off-spinner Will Jacks, although his control was typical of a part-timer – hence figures of 2/105 from 20 overs – and the balls that did to turn sharply will encourage Nathan Lyon.
Emotional Backdrop with Late Switch.
The day's play was inevitably an emotional day for the host nation, coming so soon after the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi. A minute's silence prior to the first ball was immaculately held, broken only by folk singer a rendition performing a stirring rendition of 'True Blue'.
By this stage, the hosts were also forced into an alteration to their stated XI. Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting dizziness and nausea in the morning – an apparent return of the vertigo which has intermittently troubled him ever since being felled by Archer at Lord's six years ago.
In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his international career may be finished. Before Carey's arrival, Khawaja had expertly held the innings steady, walking out with the score on 33 for two and finessing 82 from 126 balls a day out from turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Alex Carey were significant.
England's Mixed Bag Persists.
Archer aside, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, this was yet another disappointing outing for the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse rather rolled over his inconsistent form from the first two Tests, picking up two for 70 off his 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 from 15 overs.
The Durham bowler was erratic when tasked with sharing the duty of the new cherry early on, overstepping on five occasions but still removing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley at cover. This moment encapsulated the day's play for both sides: moments of brilliance interspersed with some error-prone play.
