Australia's wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey delivered a stunning, counter-attacking century on his home ground to steer his side to a total of 326 for eight after a challenging opening day of the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval.
Carey's Heroics After Early Wobble
Following the high-octane drama of the first two Tests, the series resumed with a more traditional contest in South Australia. The day belonged to local favourite Alex Carey, whose 106 from 143 balls rescued Australia after they had stumbled to 94 for four following a post-lunch burst from England's Jofra Archer. Carey, fresh from an excellent display with the gloves in Brisbane, reached his milestone to a roaring home crowd at 4.48pm, driving Ben Stokes through the covers.
His innings was pivotal after England's bowlers, led superbly by Archer, had fought hard in 35-degree Celsius heat. Usman Khawaja also played a crucial role, making 82 from 126 balls after a late call-up to replace the unwell Steve Smith. Khawaja, who was dropped on five by Harry Brook at slip, shared significant partnerships of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 with Carey to stabilise the innings.
Archer Leads England's Fightback
For an England side 2-0 down in the series, there were significant positives, chiefly the performance of fast bowler Jofra Archer. He produced a fiery and controlled spell, finishing the day with excellent figures of three wickets for 29 runs from 16 overs. Averaging 88mph (142km/h), he provided both threat and control, removing Jake Weatherald early before a devastating over after lunch accounted for both Labuschagne and Cameron Green in three balls.
Green's dismissal for a duck served as a stark contrast to his fortunes just 24 hours earlier, when he secured a lucrative £1.5 million contract in the Indian Premier League. England's other bowlers found the going tougher, however. Off-spinner Will Jacks took two wickets but proved expensive, conceding 105 runs from his 20 overs, while seamers Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue picked up two and one wicket respectively.
Emotional Start After Bondi Tragedy
The day began on a sombre note, with a perfectly observed minute's silence held in memory of the victims of the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi the previous Sunday. The silence was broken by folk singer John Williams performing a moving rendition of 'True Blue'.
Australia's innings was also disrupted before a ball was bowled, with former captain Steve Smith withdrawn due to dizziness and nausea, an apparent recurrence of the vertigo that has affected him since being struck by Archer at Lord's in 2019. His replacement, Khawaja, seized his opportunity with a classy knock, though he fell just before tea, sweeping Jacks to deep backward square.
At stumps, Australia will feel they have runs on the board but perhaps fewer than they hoped after winning the toss. England, meanwhile, will look to wrap up the tail quickly on day two, knowing a strong batting response is essential to keep their Ashes hopes alive.
