After the frenzy of Perth as well as the Gabba's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of traditional style of the longest format returned on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the locals, it was a day to savour, as homegrown talent Alex Carey produced an outstanding century at his home venue to help the home side just shade the first day's play.
Not that England, 2-0 down while clinging on in this contest, could be entirely downbeat. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like a significant coin toss and, despite being not perfect, the English attack kept persevering under scorching conditions. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326 for eight off 83 overs bowled – runs on the board yet likely short of their expectations after captain Pat Cummins won the choice first thing.
The most impressive performer among the tourists proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 from 16 overs constituted a strong response against the criticism directed at him his way. Here he visibly led the bowling unit, clocking 88mph (142kmh) on the speed gun and offering his captain both accuracy together with obvious menace. It was only towards the end of play – one over with the fresh cherry – did he look somewhat weary.
Having dismissed Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's initial over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by 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, his weak chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder arriving less than 24 hours after trousering a massive £1.5m contract in the Indian Premier League.
Alex Carey's day, however, was simply invaluable, peaking at late afternoon when he elegantly drove Stokes through the covers for three which prompted the Adelaide faithful rose in a huge roar. Fresh from his virtuoso outing with the gloves at the Gabba, his counterattacking 106 runs from 143 deliveries made sure that a mid-innings stumble to 94 for four did not become a full-blown collapse. The 34-year-old has become a serious Test match player these days.
The Australian batting lineup did leave some runs on the field, however. Absent was the pronounced pace and bounce of the opening matches replaced by just a hint of seam movement if the right area was located.
The pitch also offered some turn to Will Jacks, although his control was that of a part-timer – hence figures of 2/105 from his 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to turn sharply will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.
This was always going to be an emotional occasion for Australia, coming so soon in the wake of a devastating tragic incident at Bondi. The minute’s silence observed before the first ball was perfectly held, followed by musician a rendition delivering a stirring rendition of True Blue.
Earlier, Australia were also compelled to make an alteration from their announced starting eleven. Steve Smith was withdrawn due to dizziness and nausea first thing – an apparent return of the vertigo that has intermittently troubled him ever since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s six years ago.
In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his international career could be finished. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, the left-hander had held the innings together, walking out at 33 for two and finessing 82 off 126 balls just a day from turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Carey proved crucial.
Archer aside, and despite the sapping heat, this was yet another frustrating outing from 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, and the incoming Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 from 15 overs.
Carse was erratic when handed sharing the new cherry first thing, overstepping five times yet dismissing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley at cover. This moment summed up the day for both sides: brilliance mixed with periods of error-prone play.
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