Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Sparkling Century Helps The Baggy Greens Bounce Back After Early England Test Series Onslaught.

In the wake of that frenzy from Perth as well as Brisbane's pink-ball spectacle, a more familiar style regarding the longest format returned at the Adelaide ground. For the delighted South Australian fans, it was one to cherish, as local hero Alex Carey delivered an outstanding century on his home ground to help the home side just shade the first day's play.

Not that England, trailing 2-0 and clinging on in the contest, were too downbeat. Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a significant coin toss and, despite being far from at their best, his bowlers kept persevering under sweltering heat. At stumps, the Australians were 326 for eight off 83 overs – a total on the board yet likely below initial ambitions after captain Pat Cummins won the toss first thing.

The Pace of Archer Leads England's Fightback.

The standout for England proved to be Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 off his 16 overs constituted a strong answer against some of scrutiny directed at him his way. Here he clearly led the bowling unit, averaging 88mph (142kph) on the speed gun and offering his captain a combination of control together with clear menace. It was only towards the very end of the day – one over using the second new ball – did he look a bit weary.

Having bounced out opener Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's initial over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three balls. The all-rounder's golden duck was a stark reminder that cricket can bring a player back to reality, his tepid chip to mid-wicket arriving less than a day after trousering a massive multi-million dollar deal in the IPL.

The Keeper's Invaluable Innings Steadies The Ship.

Carey's performance, however, was simply priceless, peaking around late afternoon as he elegantly drove Stokes through the covers for three runs and the Adelaide faithful to rise with a roar. Coming off that virtuoso display with the gloves in Brisbane, his aggressive 106 from 143 balls made sure that the mid-innings stumble of 94 for four did not become a full-blown crisis. The 34-year-old has become a serious Test match player these days.

The Australian batting lineup did leave a few runs out there, though. Gone was the excessive pace and bounce of the first two Tests and in its place just a hint of nibble when a good length was located.

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

Solemn Backdrop with A Late Team Change.

This was inevitably an emotional occasion for the host nation, coming so soon in the wake of a devastating tragic incident at Bondi. The minute’s silence observed prior to the start of play was immaculately held, broken only by folk singer a rendition performing a stirring rendition of the anthem 'True Blue'.

Earlier, Australia had also been compelled to make an alteration to their announced XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting dizziness and sickness in the morning – seemingly return of the vertigo that has intermittently affected the star batter since he was struck by Archer at Lord’s six years ago.

In came Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his international career may be over. Until the wicketkeeper's heroics, Khawaja had expertly held the Australian innings steady, walking out at 33/2 and finessing a fine 82 off 126 deliveries just a day from turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Labuschagne and 91 runs with Carey were crucial.

England's Mixed Bag Persists.

Archer aside, and notwithstanding the energy-sapping conditions, it remained still another frustrating day for the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his inconsistent form from the first two Tests, finishing with figures of 2/70 off 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 in 15 overs.

Carse was erratic when handed sharing the new ball early on, no-balling on five occasions but still dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley at cover. It rather encapsulated the day's play for both teams: moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of error-prone play.