Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's Brilliant Century Helps Australia Regroup From An Early English Test Series Charge.
After the chaos of the Perth Test and Brisbane's pink-ball spectacle, an outbreak of familiar brand regarding Test cricket was witnessed at the Adelaide ground. For the delighted locals, it was a day to cherish, with homegrown talent Alex Carey delivered a sparkling century on his home turf as Australia the home side edge day one.
However, England, trailing 2-0 while clinging on in this contest, could be entirely disheartened. Ben Stokes had lost what seemed like a significant toss and, though far from perfect, his bowlers kept persevering under sweltering heat. By the close of play, the Australians were 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – runs on the board yet likely short of their ambitions when captain Pat Cummins got the toss in the morning.
The Pace of Archer Leads The Tourist's Resistance.
The most impressive performer among the tourists was speedster Jofra Archer. Figures of 3/29 off 16 overs were a powerful answer to some of scrutiny directed at him this past week. On this day he clearly spearheaded the attack, clocking 88mph (142kph) with the speed gun while providing Stokes both control together with clear menace. It was only towards the end of play – during a single over using the fresh cherry – that he appeared somewhat weary.
Having bounced out opener Jake Weatherald early on, Archer's first over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three balls. Green's duck served as a stark reminder that this sport can swiftly bring a player back down to earth, coming from tepid chip to mid-wicket arriving barely 24 hours following securing a record multi-million dollar contract for the upcoming IPL.
The Keeper's Invaluable Contribution Rescues The Innings.
Alex Carey's performance, however, was nothing short of priceless, culminating at late afternoon as he drove Ben Stokes through the covers for three and the Adelaide faithful to rise in a huge roar. Fresh from that masterful outing with the gloves at the Gabba, his counterattacking 106 from 143 balls ensured that a post-lunch wobble to 94 for four failed to develop into a full-blown crisis. At 34, Carey has become a serious Test match player nowadays.
The Australian batting lineup did leave some potential runs on the field, however. Gone was the excessive bounce of the opening matches replaced by just a hint of seam movement when the right area was hit.
There was also a bit of grip for Will Jacks, even if his consistency was that of a part-time spinner – resulting in expensive figures of 2/105 off 20 overs – and the balls he did get to misbehave will give hope to Nathan Lyon.
Solemn Backdrop with Late Switch.
The day's play was inevitably an emotional day for Australia, arriving so shortly in the wake of a devastating terrorist attack at Bondi. A minute's silence prior to the start of play was immaculately observed, broken only by folk singer John Williams performing an emotional rendition of the anthem 'True Blue'.
Earlier, the hosts were also forced into an alteration from their stated XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out due to dizziness along with sickness in the morning – seemingly recurrence of the vertigo which has periodically troubled him since being felled by Archer at Lord’s six years ago.
In came Usman Khawaja, a day after many felt his international career could be over. Until the wicketkeeper's heroics, Khawaja had held the innings together, walking out with the score on 33 for two before crafting a fine 82 off 126 deliveries a day out from his 39th birthday. Stands of 61 with Labuschagne and 91 runs with Carey proved crucial.
England's Mixed Bag Continues.
Archer aside, and notwithstanding the sapping heat, this was yet another frustrating day from the English bowling attack. Brydon Carse somewhat continued his form from the series, finishing with figures of 2/70 off 13 overs, while the incoming Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 in 15 overs.
The Durham bowler looked all over the shop when tasked with sharing the duty of the new ball first thing, no-balling five times but still dismissing Travis Head for 10 courtesy of a sublime catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather summed up the day for both teams: moments of brilliance interspersed with some error-prone play.
