Alex Carey's Brilliant Ton Aids Australia Bounce Back After Early England Ashes Charge.
In the wake of that chaos of the Perth Test as well as the Gabba's pink-ball spectacle, a more traditional brand of the longest format was witnessed at Adelaide Oval. For the delighted South Australian fans, it was one to cherish, with homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman produced an outstanding century at his home turf to help the home side edge day one.
Not that England, 2-0 down while clinging on in this contest, were entirely disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like an ominous toss and, though not at their best, the English attack kept plugging away in 35c heat. At stumps, Australia had reached 326-8 off 83 overs bowled – runs on the board but surely short of their expectations after Pat Cummins got the toss in the morning.
The Pace of Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Resistance.
The most impressive performer among England proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 from 16 overs were a strong riposte against some of criticism directed at him this past week. Here he clearly led the attack, averaging 88mph (142kmh) on the speedometer while providing Stokes a combination of accuracy and obvious menace. Only at the end of the day – one over with the fresh cherry – did he look a bit jaded.
After dismissed opener Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's first over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three balls. The all-rounder's golden duck served as a reminder that cricket can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, his tepid chip to mid-wicket arriving less than 24 hours after trousering a record £1.5m contract for the upcoming IPL.
The Keeper's Invaluable Innings Steadies The Ship.
Alex Carey's performance, however, was nothing short of invaluable, peaking at late afternoon as he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through cover for three and the Adelaide faithful to rise with a roar. Fresh from that masterful display behind the stumps in Brisbane, his counterattacking 106 runs from 143 deliveries ensured that the mid-innings stumble of 94 for four failed to develop into a full-blown collapse. The 34-year-old is a genuinely cricketer nowadays.
The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left a few potential runs out there, however. Absent was the excessive pace and bounce of the opening matches replaced by just a hint of nibble if the right area was hit.
There was also some grip to off-spinner Will Jacks, although his consistency was typical of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of two for 105 from his 20 overs – and the balls he did get to misbehave will encourage Nathan Lyon.
Emotional Backdrop and Late Switch.
The day's play was inevitably a poignant occasion for Australia, arriving so soon after a devastating tragic incident in Bondi. The minute’s silence before the start of play was perfectly observed, followed by musician a rendition delivering an emotional rendition of the anthem 'True Blue'.
Earlier, the hosts had also been forced into a change to their announced starting eleven. Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting feeling dizzy and sickness in the morning – an apparent return of a vertigo issue that has intermittently affected him ever since being felled by Archer at Lord's six years ago.
In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his international career may be over. Until the wicketkeeper's heroics, the left-hander had expertly held the innings together, walking out at 33 for two and finessing 82 off 126 deliveries a day out before turning 39. Stands of 61 with Labuschagne and 91 runs with Alex Carey proved crucial.
England's Frustration Continues.
Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, it remained yet another frustrating outing for the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat continued his form from the series, finishing with two for 70 from his 13 overs, while the recalled Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 from 15 overs.
Carse was all over the shop when tasked with sharing the duty of the new ball first thing, no-balling on five occasions yet dismissing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a sublime one-handed catch from Zak Crawley at cover. This moment summed up the day for both teams: moments of brilliance mixed with periods of error-prone play.
