Alex Carey's Stunning Hundred Aids Australia Regroup After An Early England Test Series Charge.
After the pandemonium from the Perth Test and the Gabba's day-night spectacle, an outbreak of traditional brand of the longest format broke out at the Adelaide ground. For the delighted South Australian fans, it was one to cherish, as their boy Alex Carey delivered an outstanding century on his home turf as Australia the home side just shade the opening day.
Not that England, 2-0 down and still fighting in this series, were entirely disappointed. Skipper Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like a crucial toss and, though far from at their best, the English attack continued persevering under scorching conditions. By the close of play, Australia were 326-8 off 83 overs bowled – a total on the board yet likely short of their ambitions after Pat Cummins got the toss in the morning.
The Pace of Archer Leads The Tourist's Effort.
The most impressive performer for the tourists proved to be Jofra Archer. Returning figures of 3/29 from his 16 overs were a strong answer to the scrutiny directed at him his way. On this day he visibly spearheaded the bowling unit, averaging around 88mph (142kmh) with the speed gun while providing Stokes both control and clear menace. It was only towards the end of the day – during a single over with the second new ball – did he look a bit weary.
Having dismissed Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's initial over post-lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. Green's golden duck was a stark reminder of how this sport can swiftly bring a player back to reality, coming from tepid chip to mid-wicket occurring barely a day following trousering a record £1.5m deal in the IPL.
The Keeper's Invaluable Innings Steadies The Innings.
Alex Carey's performance, however, was nothing short of invaluable, peaking at late afternoon as he elegantly drove Ben Stokes through cover for three runs and the crowd to rise with a roar. Fresh from his virtuoso outing behind the stumps at the Gabba, the left-hander's aggressive 106 off 143 deliveries ensured that a mid-innings stumble to 94/4 did not become a full-blown crisis. At 34, Carey has become a serious Test match player nowadays.
Australia did leave some runs on the field, however. Gone was that pronounced pace and bounce of the opening matches replaced by only a fraction of seam movement if a good length was hit.
There was also some grip for Will Jacks, even if his control was typical of a part-timer – resulting in figures of 2/105 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 Team Change.
This was inevitably an emotional occasion for Australia, arriving so shortly in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi. A minute's silence observed before the start of play was perfectly observed, followed by folk singer a rendition performing a stirring version of the anthem 'True Blue'.
By this stage, the hosts had also been compelled to make an alteration to their stated XI. Steve Smith was withdrawn after reporting feeling dizzy and sickness first thing – an apparent recurrence of a vertigo issue that has intermittently troubled him since being felled by Archer at Lord's six years ago.
His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after it was speculated his Test career could be finished. Until Carey's arrival, Khawaja had held the Australian innings together, coming to the crease with the score on 33/2 before finessing a fine 82 from 126 deliveries just a day from turning 39. Stands of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne plus another of 91 with Carey proved crucial.
The Tourist's Mixed Bag Persists.
Aside from Archer's efforts, and notwithstanding the energy-sapping conditions, it remained still another disappointing outing from England’s attack. Seamer Brydon Carse somewhat rolled over his inconsistent form of the series, picking up figures of 2/70 off 13 overs, and the recalled Josh Tongue picked up 1/63 in 15 overs.
The Durham bowler looked all over the shop when tasked with sharing the duty of the new cherry first thing, no-balling on five occasions but still removing Travis Head for 10 thanks to a sublime catch from Zak Crawley at cover. This moment summed up the day's play for both teams: moments of brilliance mixed with some error-prone cricket.
