Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Sparkling Ton Helps The Baggy Greens Bounce Back After An Early England Test Series Onslaught.
After the frenzy from the Perth Test and Brisbane's pink-ball palooza, a more traditional brand of Test cricket was witnessed on the turf of Adelaide Oval. For the South Australian fans, it was a day to enjoy, with their boy Alex Carey delivered a sparkling hundred at his home ground as Australia the home side edge day one.
However, England, trailing 2-0 while still fighting in the series, could be entirely downbeat. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like an ominous coin toss and, though far from perfect, his bowlers kept persevering under scorching heat. By the close of play, Australia were 326 for eight from 83 overs – a total on the board but surely below initial ambitions after Pat Cummins won the choice in the morning.
The Pace of Archer Stands Out For England's Effort.
The most impressive performer among the tourists proved to be Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 from his 16 overs constituted a strong response to the criticism that came his way. Here he visibly spearheaded the bowling unit, clocking 88mph (142kph) on the speed gun while providing Stokes a combination of control and obvious menace. It was only towards the very end of the day – one over with the fresh cherry – did he look a bit weary.
After dismissed Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's first over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. The all-rounder's golden duck was a reminder of how cricket can bring a player back to reality, his tepid chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder occurring less than a day following trousering a massive multi-million dollar deal in the Indian Premier League.
The Keeper's Priceless Innings Steadies The Innings.
Alex Carey's performance, however, was nothing short of priceless, culminating around 4.48pm as he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three runs and the Adelaide faithful to rise with a roar. Fresh from that masterful display with the gloves in Brisbane, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 from 143 deliveries made sure that a mid-innings stumble to 94/4 failed to develop into a full-blown collapse. The 34-year-old is a serious Test match player these days.
Australia did leave some potential runs out there, however. Gone was that pronounced bounce of the first two Tests and in its place only a fraction of seam movement when a good length was hit.
There was also a bit of grip for Will Jacks, although his consistency was that of a part-timer – resulting in expensive figures of two for 105 from his 20 overs – and the balls that did to misbehave will give hope to Nathan Lyon.
Solemn Context and A Late Switch.
This was inevitably a poignant day for the host nation, arriving so shortly after the horrific tragic incident at Bondi. A minute's silence observed prior to the first ball was immaculately observed, followed by folk singer John Williams delivering an emotional rendition of the anthem True Blue.
By this stage, the hosts were also compelled to make a change from their stated XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out due to feeling dizzy and sickness first thing – seemingly return of a vertigo issue that has intermittently troubled the star batter ever since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's six years ago.
His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his Test career could be finished. Until the wicketkeeper's arrival, Khawaja had held the innings steady, coming to the crease at 33/2 and finessing a fine 82 from 126 deliveries a day out before his 39th birthday. Partnerships of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 runs with Alex Carey proved crucial.
England's Mixed Bag Continues.
Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the energy-sapping heat, it remained yet another disappointing day from the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather continued his inconsistent form of the series, finishing with two for 70 from 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 from 15 overs.
Carse was erratic when handed sharing the duty of the new cherry early on, overstepping five times yet dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a spectacular one-handed catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day's play for both sides: brilliance mixed with some error-prone play.
