Australia's Alex Carey's Stunning Century Helps The Baggy Greens Bounce Back After An Early English Test Series Assault.
After that frenzy from the Perth Test and Brisbane's pink-ball palooza, an outbreak of familiar style regarding red-ball cricket was witnessed at Adelaide Oval. For the delighted locals, the day proved one to cherish, as homegrown talent the wicketkeeper-batsman delivered a magnificent century at his home turf to help the home side edge the opening day.
However, England, 2-0 down and clinging on in the contest, were entirely disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what appeared an ominous toss and, despite being far from at their best, his bowlers continued toiling in scorching heat. By the close of play, the Australians were 326-8 from 83 overs bowled – a total on the board yet likely below their expectations after Pat Cummins won the choice in the morning.
The Pace of Archer Leads England's Resistance.
The most impressive performer among England was Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 off 16 overs constituted a strong riposte against some of criticism that came this past week. On this day he clearly led the bowling unit, clocking around 88mph (142kph) with the speedometer and offering his captain a combination of accuracy together with clear threat. Only at the very end of play – during a single over with the fresh cherry – that he appeared a bit weary.
Having dismissed Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's initial over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three balls. Green's duck served as a reminder that cricket can bring even a celebrated player back to reality, coming from weak chip shot to mid-wicket occurring barely a day after trousering a record multi-million dollar deal in the IPL.
The Keeper's Invaluable Innings Steadies The Innings.
Carey's day, however, was nothing short of priceless, culminating at 4.48pm as he elegantly drove Stokes through cover for three runs which prompted the crowd to rise with a roar. Fresh from his virtuoso display behind the stumps in Brisbane, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 from 143 balls made sure that the post-lunch wobble to 94 for four did not become a complete collapse. The 34-year-old is a genuinely Test match player nowadays.
The Australian batting lineup did leave a few runs on the field, however. Absent was that excessive pace and bounce of the first two Tests replaced by just a hint of nibble when a good length was located.
The pitch also offered some grip to off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his control was that of a part-timer – resulting in expensive figures of two for 105 off his 20 overs – but the deliveries that did to turn sharply will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.
Solemn Backdrop and Late Switch.
This was inevitably a poignant occasion for Australia, coming so shortly in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi. A minute's silence prior to the first ball was immaculately observed, followed by folk singer John Williams performing a stirring version of True Blue.
By this stage, the hosts had also been compelled to make a change to their stated XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out after reporting feeling dizzy along with nausea in the morning – an apparent recurrence of a vertigo issue which has intermittently troubled the star batter since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s years back.
His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his Test career may be over. Before Carey's heroics, the left-hander had held the Australian innings together, coming to the crease with the score on 33 for two before crafting 82 from 126 balls just a day from turning 39. Stands worth 61 runs with Labuschagne and 91 runs with Carey proved significant.
England's Frustration Persists.
Archer aside, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, this was still another frustrating outing from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his form from the series, finishing with figures of 2/70 off 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue picked up 1/63 in 15 overs.
The Durham bowler was erratic when tasked with sharing the duty of the new cherry early on, overstepping on five occasions yet dismissing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a sublime one-handed catch from Zak Crawley at cover. It rather summed up the day's play for both teams: moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of error-prone play.
