After the frenzy from Perth and the Gabba's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of traditional style of Test cricket was witnessed on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the South Australian fans, the day proved a day to enjoy, as local hero the wicketkeeper-batsman notched up a magnificent hundred on his home turf to help Australia just shade the opening day.
However, England, trailing 2-0 while clinging on in this series, could be too downbeat. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a significant coin toss and, despite being not perfect, his bowlers kept plugging away under 35c heat. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326 for eight off 83 overs – a total on the board yet likely short of their expectations after captain Pat Cummins got the choice first thing.
The Pace of Archer Leads The Tourist's Fightback.
The standout for the tourists was speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 from 16 overs were a powerful answer against the criticism directed at him this past week. On this day he visibly spearheaded the bowling unit, clocking around 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun and offering his captain both accuracy together with clear menace. Only at the very end of the day – one over using the second new ball – that he appeared a bit weary.
After bounced out opener Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. Green's golden duck was a reminder of how this sport can bring a player back to reality, his weak chip to the mid-wicket fielder arriving barely 24 hours after trousering a massive £1.5m contract in the Indian Premier League.
Carey's Invaluable Contribution Steadies The Ship.
Carey's day, however, was nothing short of invaluable, culminating at late afternoon when he drove Stokes through cover for three runs which prompted the Adelaide faithful to rise with a roar. Coming off that masterful display with the gloves at the Gabba, his counterattacking 106 runs from 143 deliveries made sure that the post-lunch wobble of 94/4 failed to develop into a full-blown collapse. At 34, Carey has become a serious Test match player these days.
The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left a few potential runs out there, though. Absent was the pronounced bounce from the first two Tests replaced by only a fraction of nibble if a good length was located.
The pitch also offered some grip for off-spinner Will Jacks, although his control was typical of a part-time spinner – resulting in expensive figures of two for 105 off 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to misbehave will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.
Solemn Context with A Late Team Change.
The day's play was inevitably an emotional occasion for the host nation, arriving so soon in the wake of a devastating tragic incident at Bondi. The minute’s silence observed prior to the start of play was perfectly observed, followed by folk singer John Williams performing an emotional version of True Blue.
By this stage, the hosts were also compelled to make a change to their stated XI. Steve Smith pulled out after reporting feeling dizzy along with sickness first thing – an apparent return of a vertigo issue which has periodically affected the star batter since he was struck by Archer at Lord's years back.
His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his Test career may be finished. Until Carey's arrival, Khawaja had held the Australian innings together, coming to the crease at 33/2 and finessing 82 from 126 deliveries a day out before turning 39. Stands worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Alex Carey proved crucial.
The Tourist's Frustration Continues.
Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the energy-sapping heat, it remained yet another disappointing day for England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather continued his inconsistent form from the first two Tests, picking up figures of 2/70 from 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 from 15 overs.
The Durham bowler looked all over the shop when tasked with sharing the new cherry early on, overstepping five times but still dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley at cover. It rather summed up the day's play for both sides: moments of brilliance interspersed with some sloppy cricket.
