Australia's Alex Carey's Stunning Century Assists The Hosts Regroup After Early England Test Series Charge.
After that pandemonium from the Perth Test as well as the Gabba's day-night palooza, an outbreak of familiar brand regarding the longest format was witnessed on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the delighted locals, the day proved a day to enjoy, with their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up a sparkling hundred at his home turf as Australia Australia edge the opening day.
Not that England, 2-0 down while still fighting in this series, were too disappointed. Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared an ominous toss and, despite being not at their best, the English attack kept plugging away in sweltering heat. By the close of play, Australia were 326 for eight off 83 overs – runs on the board but surely short of their ambitions when Pat Cummins won the choice in the morning.
Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Fightback.
The most impressive performer among the tourists was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 from his 16 overs were a strong answer against the criticism directed at him this past week. On this day he visibly spearheaded the bowling unit, averaging 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer and offering his captain both control together with obvious menace. It was only towards the end of the day – during a single over using the fresh cherry – that he appeared a bit weary.
After bounced out Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's first over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three deliveries. The all-rounder's duck served as a reminder that this sport can swiftly bring a player back to reality, coming from tepid chip shot to mid-wicket occurring less than 24 hours after securing a record £1.5m contract in the Indian Premier League.
Carey's Invaluable Innings Rescues The Ship.
Carey's day, in contrast, was nothing short of priceless, peaking at 4.48pm as he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three which prompted the Adelaide faithful to rise in a huge roar. Fresh from that virtuoso outing with the gloves at the Gabba, his counterattacking 106 off 143 deliveries made sure that a mid-innings stumble of 94/4 failed to develop into a full-blown crisis. At 34, Carey has become a serious Test match player nowadays.
Australia undoubtedly left a few runs out there, though. Absent was the pronounced pace and bounce from the opening matches and in its place just a hint of nibble when the right area was hit.
The pitch also offered some turn to off-spinner Will Jacks, although his control was typical of a part-time spinner – hence figures of two for 105 from his 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to misbehave will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.
Solemn Backdrop and Late Switch.
This was always going to be an emotional occasion for Australia, arriving so soon in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi. The minute’s silence before the start of play was perfectly held, broken only by musician John Williams delivering an emotional rendition of the anthem True Blue.
By this stage, the hosts had also been forced into a change to their stated XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out after reporting feeling dizzy and sickness in the morning – an apparent recurrence of the vertigo which has intermittently troubled him since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s six years ago.
In came Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his international career could be finished. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, Khawaja had expertly held the Australian innings steady, walking out at 33/2 before finessing a fine 82 off 126 balls just a day from turning 39. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 with Alex Carey were crucial.
The Tourist's Mixed Bag Persists.
Archer aside, and despite the sapping conditions, it remained still another disappointing day for England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather continued his form of the series, finishing with figures of 2/70 off 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 in 15 overs.
The Durham bowler looked erratic when handed sharing the new cherry early on, no-balling on five occasions yet removing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a spectacular catch from Zak Crawley at cover. It rather encapsulated the day's play for both sides: brilliance interspersed with some sloppy cricket.
