Australia's Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Helps The Baggy Greens Recover From A Swift England Test Series Charge.
After the chaos from the Perth Test and the Gabba's pink-ball palooza, an outbreak of traditional brand regarding red-ball cricket was witnessed on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the home crowd, it was a day to savour, with their boy Alex Carey produced an outstanding hundred on his home ground to help the home side just shade the first day's play.
However, England, trailing 2-0 while still fighting in this series, could be too disheartened. Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared an ominous toss and, though far from perfect, his bowlers continued plugging away under sweltering heat. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326 for eight off 83 overs bowled – a total on the board but surely below initial expectations after Pat Cummins got the choice in the morning.
Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Resistance.
The most impressive performer for England was Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 off 16 overs were a strong response against the criticism directed at him his way. Here he visibly led the bowling unit, averaging around 88mph (142kph) on the speed gun and offering his captain both accuracy and obvious threat. Only at the very end of play – one over using the second new ball – that he appeared somewhat jaded.
After dismissed opener Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three deliveries. The all-rounder's golden duck was a stark reminder that this sport can bring a player back down to earth, coming from weak chip to the mid-wicket fielder arriving less than a day following trousering a record £1.5m deal for the upcoming Indian Premier League.
The Keeper's Invaluable Innings Steadies The Ship.
Alex Carey's performance, however, was nothing short of invaluable, culminating at 4.48pm when he drove Stokes through the covers for three and the crowd to rise with a roar. Coming off his virtuoso display with the gloves at the Gabba, the left-hander's aggressive 106 runs from 143 balls made sure that the post-lunch wobble of 94/4 failed to develop into a full-blown crisis. The 34-year-old is a serious Test match player nowadays.
The Australian batting lineup did leave some runs on the field, though. Gone was the pronounced pace and bounce of the first two Tests and in its place just a hint of seam movement when the right area was hit.
There was also a bit of turn to Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-time spinner – hence expensive figures of two for 105 off his 20 overs – and the balls he did get to turn sharply will encourage Nathan Lyon.
Solemn Context and Late Team Change.
This was always going to be a poignant day for the host nation, arriving so soon in the wake of a devastating terrorist attack in Bondi. The minute’s silence prior to the start of play was immaculately observed, broken only by musician John Williams delivering a stirring rendition of 'True Blue'.
Earlier, the hosts were also forced into an alteration from their stated starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out due to dizziness along with sickness in the morning – seemingly recurrence of a vertigo issue that has periodically affected him ever since he was struck by Archer at Lord’s six years ago.
In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his Test career could be over. Before the wicketkeeper's heroics, the left-hander had expertly held the Australian innings steady, coming to the crease with the score on 33 for two before finessing a fine 82 off 126 balls just a day from turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Alex Carey proved significant.
The Tourist's Frustration Continues.
Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the sapping conditions, it remained yet another frustrating outing from England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his inconsistent form from the first two Tests, finishing with figures of 2/70 from his 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 in 15 overs.
The Durham bowler looked all over the shop when tasked with sharing the duty of the new ball early on, overstepping on five occasions but still dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a spectacular one-handed catch by Zak Crawley at cover. It rather summed up the day's play for both sides: moments of brilliance mixed with periods of sloppy play.
