In the wake of that pandemonium from the Perth Test as well as the Gabba's day-night palooza, an outbreak of traditional style of the longest format broke out at Adelaide Oval. For the delighted home crowd, the day proved one to cherish, with homegrown talent Alex Carey produced an outstanding century on his home venue to help the home side edge the first day's play.
Not that England, trailing 2-0 while still fighting in the series, were too downbeat. Ben Stokes had lost what appeared an ominous coin toss and, despite being far from at their best, the English attack kept toiling under 35c heat. At stumps, Australia had reached 326-8 from 83 overs bowled – runs on the board yet likely below their expectations when captain Pat Cummins won the toss in the morning.
Jofra Archer Leads England's Resistance.
The standout among England proved to be Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 off his 16 overs constituted a powerful answer to the scrutiny that came this past week. Here he visibly led the bowling unit, averaging 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun while providing Stokes a combination of control together with obvious menace. Only at the end of play – one over using the second new ball – that he appeared somewhat weary.
Having dismissed opener Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's initial over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. Green's golden duck was a stark reminder that cricket can bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip to mid-wicket occurring barely a day after trousering a massive multi-million dollar deal in the IPL.
The Keeper's Invaluable Innings Steadies The Ship.
Carey's day, however, was nothing short of priceless, peaking around 4.48pm when he elegantly drove Stokes through the covers for three and the crowd to rise in a huge roar. Coming off his masterful outing behind the stumps in Brisbane, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 runs off 143 deliveries made sure that a mid-innings stumble to 94/4 did not become a complete collapse. At 34, Carey is a genuinely Test match player these days.
Australia undoubtedly left a few runs on the field, though. Absent was that pronounced pace and bounce of the first two Tests replaced by just a hint of nibble when a good length was hit.
There was also a bit of turn for Will Jacks, although his control was typical of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of two for 105 from 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to turn sharply will encourage Nathan Lyon.
Solemn Backdrop with Late Team Change.
This was always going to be a poignant occasion for the host nation, coming so shortly after a devastating terrorist attack at Bondi. The minute’s silence prior to the first ball was perfectly held, broken only by folk singer a rendition performing a stirring rendition of the anthem 'True Blue'.
By this stage, the hosts had also been compelled to make an alteration from their stated starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out due to dizziness along with nausea in the morning – seemingly return of the vertigo that has periodically affected the star batter ever since he was struck by Archer at Lord’s years back.
His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his international career could be finished. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, the left-hander had expertly held the innings steady, coming to the crease at 33/2 and crafting 82 off 126 deliveries just a day before turning 39. Stands worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 with Carey were significant.
England's Frustration Continues.
Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the energy-sapping heat, this was still another frustrating day for the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse rather rolled over his form of the series, picking up figures of 2/70 off 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue picked up 1/63 from 15 overs.
The Durham bowler looked all over the shop when handed sharing the new ball first thing, overstepping five times but still removing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a spectacular one-handed catch by Zak Crawley at cover. This moment summed up the day for both sides: brilliance mixed with periods of error-prone play.
