Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Sparkling Century Helps The Hosts Recover After A Swift England Test Series Charge.
Following the frenzy from the Perth Test and Brisbane's day-night spectacle, a more traditional brand regarding red-ball cricket broke out at Adelaide Oval. For the locals, it was a day to savour, as their boy the wicketkeeper-batsman produced an outstanding century on his home venue to help Australia just shade the first day's play.
Not that The touring English side, 2-0 down while still fighting in this contest, could be too downbeat. Skipper Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared a significant coin toss and, though not perfect, his bowlers continued persevering under 35c heat. At stumps, Australia were 326-8 off 83 overs bowled – a total on the board but surely short of their expectations after captain Pat Cummins got the choice first thing.
Jofra Archer Leads The Tourist's Fightback.
The most impressive performer among England was speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 off his 16 overs were a powerful response to the criticism directed at him his way. On this day he clearly led the bowling unit, clocking 88mph (142kph) on the speedometer while providing Stokes both accuracy and clear threat. Only at the end of the day – during a single over with the fresh cherry – did he look somewhat jaded.
Having dismissed Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's first over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the space of three balls. The all-rounder's golden duck was a stark reminder that this sport can bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, coming from weak chip shot to mid-wicket occurring less than 24 hours following securing a record multi-million dollar deal in the Indian Premier League.
Carey's Priceless Contribution Rescues The Ship.
Alex Carey's day, however, was nothing short of priceless, culminating around late afternoon when he drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three runs which prompted the crowd rose with a roar. Coming off his masterful display behind the stumps in Brisbane, 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 collapse. At 34, Carey is a serious cricketer nowadays.
The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left some runs out there, however. Absent was the pronounced bounce of the first two Tests replaced by only a fraction of seam movement when a good length was hit.
The pitch also offered a bit of turn to Will Jacks, although his control was that of a part-timer – resulting in expensive figures of 2/105 from 20 overs – and the balls that did to misbehave will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.
Solemn Context and Late Switch.
The day's play was always going to be a poignant day for the host nation, coming so shortly after the horrific tragic incident at Bondi. The minute’s silence observed prior to the start of play was immaculately observed, broken only by musician John Williams performing a stirring rendition of the anthem True Blue.
By this stage, the hosts had also been compelled to make an alteration from their stated XI. Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting feeling dizzy and nausea 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, a day after it was speculated his international career could be over. Before Carey's heroics, the left-hander had held the innings together, coming to the crease at 33 for two before finessing 82 from 126 deliveries just a day from his 39th birthday. Partnerships worth 61 runs with Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Alex Carey proved crucial.
England's Mixed Bag Continues.
Archer aside, and despite the energy-sapping conditions, this was yet another disappointing day for England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse rather continued his inconsistent form from the first two Tests, picking up figures of 2/70 from 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue picked up 1/63 in 15 overs.
The Durham bowler looked all over the shop when handed sharing the new cherry early on, overstepping five times but still removing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a sublime catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment encapsulated the day's play for both sides: moments of brilliance mixed with periods of sloppy play.
