In the wake of that pandemonium of Perth and the Gabba's pink-ball palooza, a more traditional brand regarding the longest format was witnessed at the Adelaide ground. For the delighted locals, the day proved a day to enjoy, as local hero the wicketkeeper-batsman produced an outstanding hundred at his home venue as Australia Australia edge day one.
Not that The touring English side, trailing 2-0 while still fighting in the series, were too disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like a significant coin toss and, though not at their best, the English attack continued plugging away under 35c conditions. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326 for eight off 83 overs – a total on the board yet likely below their ambitions after captain Pat Cummins won the choice first thing.
The most impressive performer among England was speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 from 16 overs constituted a strong response to the scrutiny that came his way. Here he visibly spearheaded the bowling unit, averaging around 88mph (142kmh) on the speed gun while providing his captain both accuracy and obvious menace. It was only towards the very end of the day – one over with the second new ball – did he look somewhat weary.
Having bounced out opener Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's initial over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three balls. Green's golden duck served as a stark reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back to reality, coming from weak chip to mid-wicket arriving less than a day following trousering a massive multi-million dollar contract for the upcoming Indian Premier League.
Alex Carey's day, in contrast, was nothing short of priceless, peaking around late afternoon when he elegantly drove Stokes through cover for three and the Adelaide faithful rose with a roar. Fresh from his masterful outing with the gloves at the Gabba, his aggressive 106 runs off 143 balls ensured that a mid-innings stumble to 94 for four failed to develop into a complete collapse. At 34, Carey has become a genuinely Test match player nowadays.
Australia did leave a few potential runs on the field, though. Gone was the excessive pace and bounce from the opening matches replaced by only a fraction of nibble if a good length was hit.
The pitch also offered some turn to Will Jacks, although his consistency was typical of a part-time spinner – resulting in expensive figures of 2/105 from 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to misbehave will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.
The day's play was always going to be a poignant occasion for Australia, coming so shortly in the wake of the horrific tragic incident at Bondi. A minute's silence observed prior to the start of play was immaculately held, followed by folk singer a rendition performing an emotional rendition of the anthem 'True Blue'.
By this stage, Australia were also forced into an alteration to their announced XI. Steve Smith pulled out after reporting dizziness and sickness in the morning – an apparent return of the vertigo which has periodically troubled him ever since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s six years ago.
In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his international career could be over. Until Carey's heroics, the left-hander had expertly held the Australian innings together, walking out with the score on 33/2 and crafting 82 from 126 deliveries a day out before his 39th birthday. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 with Carey were significant.
Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the sapping conditions, this was yet another disappointing day from England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat continued his form from the first two Tests, picking up figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 from 15 overs.
Carse looked all over the shop when tasked with sharing the new ball first thing, overstepping five times yet removing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a sublime one-handed catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment encapsulated the day's play for both sides: moments of brilliance interspersed with some sloppy play.
A seasoned software engineer with a passion for open-source projects and tech education.
