Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Stunning Hundred Helps The Baggy Greens Bounce Back From A Swift England Ashes Assault.
After the frenzy from Perth and the Gabba's pink-ball spectacle, a more traditional brand of the longest format returned at Adelaide Oval. For the locals, it was one to enjoy, as their boy Alex Carey notched up an outstanding century on his home venue as Australia Australia edge the opening day.
Not that England, 2-0 down while still fighting in the series, were entirely disheartened. Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a significant toss and, though far from perfect, the English attack continued persevering under sweltering heat. By the close of play, the Australians were 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – a total on the board yet likely short of initial expectations after Pat Cummins got the toss in the morning.
Jofra Archer Leads The Tourist's Resistance.
The standout among England was Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 off his 16 overs were a strong response against some of scrutiny that came his way. On this day he clearly led the bowling unit, clocking 88mph (142kph) on the speedometer and offering Stokes a combination of accuracy together with clear menace. It was only towards the very end of play – during a single over with the fresh cherry – that he appeared somewhat weary.
After bounced out opener Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's first over after lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. Green's duck served as a stark reminder that cricket can bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, coming from weak chip shot to mid-wicket arriving less than 24 hours after securing a massive £1.5m contract for the upcoming Indian Premier League.
The Keeper's Invaluable Contribution Rescues The Innings.
Alex Carey's day, however, was nothing short of priceless, peaking at late afternoon as he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three runs and the Adelaide faithful rose with a roar. Fresh from that masterful outing with the gloves at the Gabba, the left-hander's aggressive 106 from 143 deliveries ensured that the post-lunch wobble of 94 for four did not become a full-blown collapse. The 34-year-old has become a serious cricketer these days.
The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left a few runs out there, though. Absent was that pronounced pace and bounce of the first two Tests and in its place only a fraction of seam movement if a good length was located.
There was also a bit of grip for off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his consistency was that of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of 2/105 from 20 overs – and the balls that did to turn sharply will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.
Emotional Backdrop and A Late Switch.
The day's play was inevitably a poignant day for Australia, arriving so soon in the wake of the horrific tragic incident at Bondi. The minute’s silence prior to the first ball was immaculately held, followed by musician a rendition delivering a stirring rendition of 'True Blue'.
Earlier, Australia had also been forced into a change from their announced XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out after reporting feeling dizzy and sickness in the morning – an apparent return of a vertigo issue which has intermittently affected him since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.
In came Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his international career could be finished. Before the wicketkeeper's heroics, the left-hander had held the innings steady, walking out with the score on 33 for two and finessing 82 from 126 balls a day out before turning 39. Stands of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Carey proved crucial.
England's Mixed Bag Continues.
Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the sapping conditions, this was yet another frustrating outing from England’s attack. Brydon Carse rather continued his inconsistent form from the series, finishing with figures of 2/70 from his 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue picked up 1/63 in 15 overs.
Carse looked all over the shop when handed sharing the duty of the new ball early on, overstepping on five occasions yet removing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a sublime one-handed catch by Zak Crawley at cover. This moment summed up the day's play for both sides: brilliance interspersed with some error-prone cricket.