Alex Carey's Stunning Ton Assists Australia Regroup After Early England Test Series Charge.
In the wake of the frenzy from the Perth Test as well as Brisbane's pink-ball palooza, an outbreak of traditional brand regarding Test cricket broke out on the turf of the Adelaide ground. For the delighted South Australian fans, it was a day to savour, as homegrown talent Alex Carey notched up a sparkling century on his home ground as Australia Australia just shade the first day's play.
However, England, trailing 2-0 while still fighting in this contest, could be too downbeat. Ben Stokes lost out on what appeared an ominous toss and, though far from perfect, his bowlers continued toiling under sweltering conditions. By the close of play, the Australians were 326-8 from 83 overs – runs on the board yet likely below initial expectations after captain Pat Cummins got the toss in the morning.
The Pace of Archer Leads The Tourist's Effort.
The most impressive performer among England proved to be Jofra Archer. Figures of three for 29 off 16 overs constituted a strong riposte against the criticism that came this past week. On this day he clearly spearheaded the attack, clocking 88mph (142kph) with the speed gun while providing his captain both control together with clear threat. It was only towards the very end of the day – one over using the fresh cherry – did he look a bit weary.
Having bounced out Jake Weatherald first thing, Archer's initial over post-lunch accounted for Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green within just three deliveries. The all-rounder's golden duck was a reminder of how this sport can bring a player back down to earth, his tepid chip to the mid-wicket fielder occurring barely 24 hours after securing a massive multi-million dollar deal in the Indian Premier League.
Carey's Invaluable Innings Rescues The Ship.
Carey's performance, however, was simply invaluable, culminating at late afternoon when he drove Ben Stokes through cover for three runs and the Adelaide faithful rose with a roar. Fresh from his virtuoso display behind the stumps in Brisbane, the left-hander's counterattacking 106 runs off 143 balls ensured that a post-lunch wobble to 94 for four did not become a complete crisis. At 34, Carey has become a serious cricketer these days.
The Australian batting lineup did leave a few runs out there, however. Gone was that excessive pace and bounce from the opening matches replaced by only a fraction of nibble if the right area was located.
The pitch also offered some turn to off-spinner Will Jacks, although his consistency was typical of a part-time spinner – resulting in figures of two for 105 from his 20 overs – and the balls he did get to turn sharply will encourage Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.
Solemn Backdrop with Late Team Change.
This was always going to be an emotional day for Australia, arriving so soon in the wake of a devastating tragic incident in Bondi. The minute’s silence observed before the first ball was perfectly held, broken only by musician John Williams performing a stirring rendition of the anthem True Blue.
Earlier, the hosts were also compelled to make an alteration from their announced starting eleven. Veteran batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn due to feeling dizzy and nausea first thing – an apparent return of the vertigo that has periodically troubled him since being felled by Archer at Lord's six years ago.
In came Usman Khawaja, just 24 hours after many felt his international career could be finished. Before the wicketkeeper's arrival, the left-hander had held the Australian innings together, walking out at 33/2 before crafting 82 from 126 balls just a day from turning 39. Partnerships of 61 with Marnus Labuschagne and 91 with Alex Carey were crucial.
England's Mixed Bag Continues.
Archer aside, and despite the sapping conditions, this was yet another disappointing day for England’s attack. Brydon Carse rather continued his inconsistent form of the series, picking up figures of 2/70 off 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue claimed 1/63 in 15 overs.
The Durham bowler was erratic when handed sharing the new ball early on, overstepping five times yet dismissing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a spectacular one-handed catch by Zak Crawley in the covers. It rather encapsulated the day's play for both sides: brilliance mixed with periods of sloppy play.
