Australia's Alex Carey's Brilliant Ton Aids Australia Bounce Back After Early England Ashes Charge.
In the wake of the frenzy from the Perth Test as well as Brisbane's pink-ball spectacle, a more traditional brand regarding red-ball cricket was witnessed at Adelaide Oval. For the South Australian fans, the day proved one to cherish, as local hero Alex Carey notched up a magnificent century at his home ground as Australia Australia edge day one.
Not that England, 2-0 down while clinging on in the series, were too disappointed. Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like an ominous toss and, though not at their best, his bowlers kept toiling under 35c heat. At stumps, the Australians had reached 326 for eight off 83 overs – a total on the board yet likely below their expectations after captain Pat Cummins won the choice in the morning.
The Pace of Archer Stands Out For The Tourist's Resistance.
The most impressive performer among England was speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 off his 16 overs constituted a strong response against some of criticism directed at him his way. On this day he clearly led the bowling unit, clocking 88mph (142kph) on the speedometer while providing Stokes a combination of accuracy and clear threat. Only at the end of play – during a single over with the fresh cherry – did he look a bit weary.
Having bounced out Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's first over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green within just three balls. Green's duck was a stark reminder of how cricket can bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, his weak chip shot to the mid-wicket fielder arriving barely a day following trousering a massive multi-million dollar deal for the upcoming IPL.
The Keeper's Priceless Innings Steadies The Innings.
Alex Carey's performance, in contrast, was nothing short of priceless, peaking around late afternoon when he elegantly drove Stokes through the covers for three and the crowd rose in a huge roar. Fresh from his masterful display behind the stumps in Brisbane, his counterattacking 106 from 143 balls made sure that the mid-innings stumble to 94 for four did not become a full-blown crisis. The 34-year-old is a genuinely cricketer nowadays.
Australia undoubtedly left a few potential runs out there, however. Absent was that excessive pace and bounce of the opening matches and in its place just a hint of seam movement when a good length was hit.
The pitch also offered a bit of grip for off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his consistency was typical of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of two for 105 from his 20 overs – and the balls that did to turn sharply will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.
Emotional Backdrop with Late Team Change.
This was always going to be a poignant occasion for Australia, arriving so soon in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi. A minute's silence before the first ball was immaculately observed, followed by musician John Williams delivering a stirring rendition of the anthem 'True Blue'.
Earlier, the hosts had also been compelled to make an alteration from their announced XI. Steve Smith was withdrawn due to dizziness and nausea first thing – seemingly recurrence of a vertigo issue which has intermittently affected the star batter 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 may be over. Before Carey's heroics, the left-hander had held the Australian innings steady, coming to the crease at 33/2 before crafting a fine 82 off 126 deliveries just a day from turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Alex Carey proved significant.
England's Frustration Persists.
Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping heat, this was still another frustrating outing for England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his form from the series, picking up two for 70 off his 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 in 15 overs.
Carse looked erratic when handed sharing the new cherry early on, overstepping five times but still dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather encapsulated the day's play for both sides: brilliance interspersed with periods of sloppy cricket.
