Alex Carey's Brilliant Ton Helps Australia Recover After A Swift England Ashes Onslaught.
Following the frenzy of Perth and the Gabba's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of familiar style regarding Test cricket was witnessed at the Adelaide ground. For the delighted home crowd, it was a day to enjoy, with local hero the wicketkeeper-batsman delivered an outstanding century at his home ground as Australia the home side edge the first day's play.
Not that England, 2-0 down and still fighting in this contest, could be too disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like an ominous toss and, despite being not at their best, the English attack continued plugging away in 35c heat. At stumps, the Australians were 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – runs on the board but surely below their ambitions after captain Pat Cummins got the toss in the morning.
Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Effort.
The most impressive performer for England was speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 off his 16 overs constituted a strong answer against some of scrutiny that came his way. Here he visibly spearheaded the bowling unit, averaging around 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer while providing Stokes both control and obvious threat. Only at the very end of the day – one over using the fresh cherry – did he look somewhat jaded.
After bounced out Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's first over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three balls. The all-rounder's golden duck was a reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder arriving barely 24 hours after trousering a record £1.5m deal for the upcoming Indian Premier League.
The Keeper's Priceless Innings Steadies The Ship.
Alex Carey's day, in contrast, was simply invaluable, culminating around 4.48pm as he drove Ben Stokes through cover for three runs which prompted the crowd rose with a roar. Coming off his virtuoso outing with the gloves in Brisbane, his aggressive 106 off 143 balls made sure that a post-lunch wobble to 94/4 failed to develop into a complete collapse. The 34-year-old is a serious cricketer nowadays.
Australia undoubtedly left some potential runs out there, though. Absent was the pronounced pace and bounce of the opening matches replaced by just a hint of nibble when the right area was hit.
The pitch also offered some grip for off-spinner Will Jacks, although his consistency was typical of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of two for 105 from his 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to turn sharply will encourage Nathan Lyon.
Solemn Context with Late Team Change.
This was always going to be an emotional day for the host nation, arriving so soon in the wake of a devastating terrorist attack in Bondi. The minute’s silence observed before the first ball was perfectly observed, broken only by musician a rendition performing a stirring version of True Blue.
Earlier, Australia were also compelled to make a change from their announced starting eleven. Steve Smith was withdrawn due to feeling dizzy and nausea first thing – seemingly recurrence of the vertigo which has intermittently troubled the star batter ever since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.
In came Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his international career may be over. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, the left-hander had held the innings together, coming to the crease at 33/2 and crafting a fine 82 from 126 deliveries a day out before turning 39. Stands of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Alex Carey were significant.
The Tourist's Mixed Bag Continues.
Archer aside, and despite the sapping heat, this was yet another frustrating outing for the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse rather rolled over his form of the first two Tests, finishing with figures of 2/70 off his 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 from 15 overs.
Carse looked erratic when handed sharing the new cherry first thing, overstepping five times but still removing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a sublime one-handed catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day's play for both teams: moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of error-prone cricket.
