Australia's Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Aids The Baggy Greens Bounce Back After A Swift English Ashes Onslaught.
In the wake of the frenzy of the Perth Test and the Gabba's day-night palooza, a more traditional brand of Test cricket broke out at the Adelaide ground. For the delighted home crowd, it was a day to savour, as local hero Alex Carey notched up a magnificent hundred on his home ground as Australia the home side edge day one.
Not that The touring English side, 2-0 down and still fighting in this series, were entirely disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a crucial toss and, despite being far from at their best, the English attack kept plugging away in sweltering conditions. By the close of play, Australia had reached 326-8 off 83 overs – a total on the board but surely below initial expectations when captain Pat Cummins got the choice first thing.
Jofra 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 off 16 overs constituted a powerful riposte to the scrutiny that came his way. On this day he visibly led the attack, averaging 88mph (142kmh) on the speed gun and offering his captain a combination of control and obvious menace. Only at the end of play – one over with the second new ball – that he appeared somewhat jaded.
Having bounced out opener Jake Weatherald first thing, the fast bowler's initial over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three balls. The all-rounder's duck was a stark reminder that this sport can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip to the mid-wicket fielder arriving barely a day after securing a record multi-million dollar deal in the IPL.
The Keeper's Priceless Contribution Rescues The Ship.
Alex Carey's day, however, was nothing short of priceless, culminating at late afternoon as he drove Stokes through cover for three runs which prompted the Adelaide faithful rose in a huge roar. Fresh from that virtuoso outing behind the stumps in Brisbane, the left-hander's aggressive 106 off 143 balls made sure that a post-lunch wobble to 94/4 did not become a full-blown collapse. The 34-year-old is a serious Test match player these days.
The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left some potential runs out there, however. Gone was that excessive pace and bounce from the opening matches and in its place only a fraction of nibble when the right area was hit.
There was also some 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 – but the deliveries he did get to turn sharply will give hope to Nathan Lyon.
Solemn Context with Late Team Change.
The day's play was inevitably a poignant occasion for the host nation, arriving so shortly in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi. The minute’s silence observed before the first ball was perfectly held, broken only by musician a rendition performing a stirring rendition of the anthem 'True Blue'.
By this stage, Australia had also been forced into an alteration from their announced starting eleven. Steve Smith was withdrawn due to dizziness and sickness first thing – an apparent recurrence of the vertigo that has periodically troubled him 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 may be finished. Until Carey's arrival, Khawaja had expertly held the innings together, coming to the crease at 33 for two and finessing a fine 82 off 126 balls just a day before his 39th birthday. Stands worth 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Carey proved significant.
The Tourist's Frustration Continues.
Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the energy-sapping heat, it remained yet another frustrating day from the English bowling attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his form of the first two Tests, finishing with two for 70 off his 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue picked up one for 63 from 15 overs.
Carse looked erratic when tasked with sharing the duty of the new cherry first thing, no-balling on five occasions yet removing Travis Head for just 10 runs courtesy of a spectacular catch by Zak Crawley at cover. It rather summed up the day for both sides: brilliance mixed with some sloppy play.
