Australia's Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Helps The Baggy Greens Regroup After A Swift England Test Series Charge.
Following that frenzy from Perth and Brisbane's day-night palooza, an outbreak of familiar style regarding red-ball cricket returned at Adelaide Oval. For the delighted South Australian fans, it was a day to savour, with their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up a magnificent century on his home ground as Australia the home side just shade the first day's play.
However, The touring English side, trailing 2-0 while still fighting in the contest, were entirely downbeat. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what appeared an ominous coin toss and, though not at their best, his bowlers continued persevering in scorching heat. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326 for eight off 83 overs – runs on the board but surely below their ambitions after Pat Cummins won the toss first thing.
Jofra Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Effort.
The standout among England was Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 off 16 overs were a powerful response against some of criticism that came this past week. Here he visibly spearheaded the attack, averaging around 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer and offering his captain both control and obvious menace. It was only towards the very end of play – one over using the second new ball – did he look a bit jaded.
Having dismissed opener Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. Green's golden duck served as a stark reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring a player back to reality, coming from weak chip to the mid-wicket fielder occurring barely a day after securing a record multi-million dollar contract in the Indian Premier League.
Carey's Priceless Innings Rescues The Ship.
Alex Carey's day, in contrast, was nothing short of priceless, peaking around 4.48pm when he elegantly drove Stokes through cover for three which prompted the crowd to rise with a roar. Fresh from his masterful outing with the gloves at the Gabba, the left-hander's aggressive 106 runs from 143 deliveries ensured that the post-lunch wobble of 94/4 did not become a complete collapse. At 34, Carey is a serious Test match player nowadays.
Australia did leave a few potential runs out there, though. Gone was the excessive pace and bounce of the opening matches replaced by just a hint of seam movement if a good length was hit.
The pitch also offered a bit of grip for off-spinner Will Jacks, although his control was typical of a part-timer – resulting in expensive figures of 2/105 off his 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to turn sharply will encourage Nathan Lyon.
Solemn Backdrop and Late Team Change.
The day's play was inevitably a poignant occasion for Australia, coming so shortly after the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi. A minute's silence observed prior to the first ball was perfectly observed, broken only by folk singer John Williams performing a stirring version of the anthem 'True Blue'.
Earlier, the hosts were also forced into a change from their stated XI. Steve Smith pulled out after reporting feeling dizzy along with sickness first thing – an apparent return of a vertigo issue that has periodically troubled the star batter since being felled by Archer at Lord's years back.
In came Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his international career may be over. Before Carey's arrival, Khawaja had expertly held the innings together, coming to the crease at 33 for two before crafting a fine 82 from 126 balls just a day from his 39th birthday. Partnerships of 61 with Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Carey were significant.
England's Mixed Bag Persists.
Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the energy-sapping heat, this was yet another disappointing day for England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather rolled over his form from the series, picking up two for 70 off 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 early on, overstepping five times yet removing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a spectacular catch from Zak Crawley at cover. It rather encapsulated the day's play for both teams: brilliance interspersed with periods of sloppy play.