Alex Carey's Sparkling Century Helps The Baggy Greens Bounce Back From A Swift English Test Series Charge.
Following that pandemonium from Perth and Brisbane's pink-ball spectacle, an outbreak of familiar brand of red-ball cricket broke out at Adelaide Oval. For the delighted home crowd, the day proved one to enjoy, with local hero the wicketkeeper-batsman delivered a magnificent hundred at his home venue as Australia Australia just shade day one.
Not that England, trailing 2-0 and still fighting in the contest, could be too downbeat. Ben Stokes had lost what appeared a crucial coin toss and, despite being far from at their best, his bowlers kept persevering in 35c heat. By the close of play, the Australians were 326 for eight off 83 overs bowled – runs on the board yet likely short of their expectations after Pat Cummins got the choice first thing.
The Pace of Archer Leads England's Fightback.
The standout for England was Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 from 16 overs constituted a powerful riposte to the criticism that came this past week. On this day he visibly spearheaded the attack, averaging 88mph (142kmh) with the speedometer and offering Stokes a combination of accuracy and obvious menace. It was only towards the end of play – during a single over using the fresh cherry – did he look somewhat weary.
After dismissed opener Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's initial over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three balls. Green's golden duck served as a stark reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring a player back to reality, his tepid chip shot to mid-wicket occurring barely a day after trousering a massive £1.5m deal in the Indian Premier League.
The Keeper's Invaluable Innings Rescues The Ship.
Alex Carey's performance, however, was nothing short of priceless, culminating around 4.48pm when he elegantly drove Stokes through cover for three runs and the Adelaide faithful to rise with a roar. Coming off that masterful display behind the stumps at the Gabba, the left-hander's aggressive 106 from 143 balls ensured that a mid-innings stumble to 94/4 failed to develop into a full-blown collapse. The 34-year-old has become a serious Test match player these days.
Australia did leave a few potential runs on the field, though. Absent was the excessive bounce from the first two Tests and in its place just a hint of nibble when the right area was hit.
The pitch also offered a bit of grip for Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of two for 105 off his 20 overs – and the balls he did get to misbehave will encourage Nathan Lyon.
Solemn Context with Late Team Change.
The day's play was always going to be a poignant day for the host nation, arriving so soon in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi. The minute’s silence prior to the first ball was immaculately held, followed by folk singer a rendition performing a stirring rendition of the anthem True Blue.
Earlier, the hosts were also compelled to make a change from their stated starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out after reporting feeling dizzy and nausea in the morning – an apparent return of the vertigo that has intermittently troubled the star batter 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 Carey's heroics, Khawaja had held the innings together, walking out at 33/2 and finessing a fine 82 from 126 balls just a day before turning 39. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Alex Carey proved significant.
England's Mixed Bag Persists.
Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the energy-sapping heat, this was still another frustrating outing for the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather rolled over his form of the first two Tests, finishing with figures of 2/70 from his 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 from 15 overs.
The Durham bowler looked erratic when tasked with sharing the duty of the new cherry early on, no-balling on five occasions but still dismissing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a sublime catch by Zak Crawley at cover. This moment summed up the day for both teams: brilliance interspersed with some sloppy play.
