Australia's Alex Carey's Sparkling Century Helps Australia Regroup From Early England Test Series Onslaught.
After that pandemonium of Perth as well as Brisbane's pink-ball spectacle, an outbreak of traditional brand of the longest format was witnessed on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the delighted South Australian fans, it was a day to savour, as local hero Alex Carey notched up a sparkling hundred at his home ground as Australia Australia just shade the opening day.
Not that England, 2-0 down and still fighting in the contest, were entirely downbeat. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a crucial toss and, though not at their best, the English attack continued persevering in scorching conditions. By the close of play, Australia were 326 for eight off 83 overs bowled – a total on the board yet likely below initial expectations after captain Pat Cummins won the choice in the morning.
The Pace of Archer Leads The Tourist's Fightback.
The most impressive performer for the tourists was speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 off his 16 overs constituted a strong riposte to the scrutiny that came this past week. On this day he clearly spearheaded the attack, averaging around 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun while providing his captain both control together with clear threat. It was only towards the very end of the day – one over using the fresh cherry – did he look somewhat weary.
Having bounced out Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three deliveries. The all-rounder's duck was a reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring a player back to reality, his weak chip to mid-wicket arriving less than a day after securing a massive multi-million dollar deal in the Indian Premier League.
The Keeper's Invaluable Contribution Steadies The Ship.
Alex Carey's day, however, was nothing short of invaluable, peaking around 4.48pm as he elegantly drove Stokes through the covers for three runs which prompted the crowd rose in a huge roar. Coming off that masterful outing with the gloves in Brisbane, his counterattacking 106 off 143 deliveries ensured that a mid-innings stumble of 94/4 failed to develop into a full-blown crisis. The 34-year-old has become a serious Test match player these days.
The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left some potential runs on the field, however. Gone was the pronounced pace and bounce of the first two Tests and in its place just a hint of nibble when the right area was hit.
The pitch also offered a bit of grip to off-spinner 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 turn sharply will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.
Solemn Context and Late Switch.
This was always going to be an emotional occasion for the host nation, coming so soon after a devastating terrorist attack at Bondi. The minute’s silence observed before the first ball was perfectly observed, followed by musician a rendition delivering a stirring version of True Blue.
Earlier, Australia were also forced into a change from their stated starting eleven. Steve Smith was withdrawn due to dizziness and sickness in the morning – an apparent recurrence of the vertigo that has periodically affected the star batter since being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s six years ago.
In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his Test career could be finished. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, Khawaja had expertly held the Australian innings steady, coming to the crease at 33 for two and finessing 82 from 126 deliveries a day out from turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Alex Carey proved crucial.
The Tourist's Frustration Continues.
Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the sapping conditions, this was yet another frustrating day for England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather continued his form from the series, finishing with figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 from 15 overs.
Carse looked erratic when handed sharing the new cherry first thing, overstepping on five occasions but still dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a sublime one-handed catch by Zak Crawley at cover. This moment summed up the day's play for both sides: moments of brilliance interspersed with some sloppy cricket.
