Alex Carey's Stunning Hundred Assists Australia Regroup After An Early England Test Series Charge.
After that frenzy from the Perth Test and the Gabba's pink-ball palooza, an outbreak of traditional brand of Test cricket was witnessed at Adelaide Oval. For the South Australian fans, the day proved one to cherish, as local hero Alex Carey delivered a magnificent hundred at his home venue to help the home side just shade day one.
Not that England, 2-0 down while still fighting in this series, were entirely downbeat. Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like a crucial toss and, though not at their best, the English attack kept persevering in scorching conditions. At stumps, Australia had reached 326 for eight from 83 overs – a total on the board yet likely below their ambitions when captain Pat Cummins won the choice in the morning.
The Pace of Archer Leads The Tourist's Fightback.
The most impressive performer among England was speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 off 16 overs were a strong answer against the scrutiny that came his way. On this day he clearly led the attack, averaging around 88mph (142kph) with the speedometer while providing Stokes both accuracy and obvious threat. It was only towards the end of play – one over using the fresh cherry – that he appeared somewhat weary.
Having dismissed opener Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's first over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three deliveries. Green's duck served as a reminder that this sport can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip to the mid-wicket fielder occurring less than a day following trousering a record multi-million dollar contract in the IPL.
The Keeper's Invaluable Innings Steadies The Ship.
Carey's day, however, was simply invaluable, peaking at late afternoon as he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through cover for three runs and the crowd rose in a huge roar. Fresh from his masterful outing with the gloves at the Gabba, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 from 143 deliveries ensured that a mid-innings stumble of 94/4 failed to develop into a full-blown crisis. At 34, Carey is a genuinely Test match player nowadays.
Australia undoubtedly left a few runs out there, though. Gone was that pronounced pace and bounce of the opening matches and in its place only a fraction of seam movement if a good length was located.
The pitch also offered some grip for Will Jacks, although his control was that of a part-time spinner – hence figures of 2/105 from 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to turn sharply will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.
Solemn Context and Late Switch.
This was always going to be an emotional day for the host nation, arriving so soon after the horrific tragic incident at Bondi. A minute's silence prior to the first ball was immaculately held, broken only by folk singer a rendition delivering a stirring rendition of the anthem 'True Blue'.
Earlier, the hosts were also compelled to make an alteration to their stated XI. Steve Smith pulled out due to feeling dizzy along with sickness first thing – seemingly return of the vertigo that has periodically affected him 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 Test career may be over. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, the left-hander had held the Australian innings steady, walking out with the score on 33 for two and finessing a fine 82 from 126 balls just a day before his 39th birthday. Stands of 61 with Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Carey proved significant.
England's Frustration Continues.
Archer aside, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, it remained still another disappointing day for England’s attack. Brydon Carse somewhat continued his form from the series, picking up two for 70 off his 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 in 15 overs.
The Durham bowler was all over the shop when tasked with sharing the duty of the new ball first thing, overstepping on five occasions but still removing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a sublime catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day for both sides: brilliance mixed with periods of error-prone cricket.
