Alex Carey's Stunning Century Helps Australia Recover From Early English Test Series Assault.
After the frenzy from Perth as well as the Gabba's day-night palooza, an outbreak of traditional brand of red-ball cricket broke out at the Adelaide ground. For the delighted locals, the day proved a day to enjoy, as their boy Alex Carey notched up an outstanding hundred on his home venue to help Australia edge day one.
However, England, trailing 2-0 and clinging on in the contest, could be too disappointed. Ben Stokes lost out on what seemed like an ominous coin toss and, despite being not at their best, his bowlers kept plugging away in 35c heat. By the close of play, Australia were 326 for eight from 83 overs bowled – runs on the board yet likely below their expectations when Pat Cummins got the choice in the morning.
Jofra Archer Stands Out For England's Fightback.
The most impressive performer among the tourists proved to be speedster Jofra Archer. Returning figures of three for 29 off his 16 overs constituted a strong riposte against some of criticism directed at him his way. Here he visibly spearheaded the attack, clocking 88mph (142kph) with the speedometer while providing Stokes both control and obvious menace. Only at the end of the day – during a single over with the second new ball – did he look somewhat jaded.
Having dismissed Jake Weatherald early on, the fast bowler's initial over after lunch wiped out Marnus Labuschagne followed by Cameron Green in the space of three deliveries. Green's golden duck was a reminder that this sport can swiftly bring even a celebrated player back down to earth, his tepid chip shot to mid-wicket occurring barely a day after trousering a record multi-million dollar deal for the upcoming Indian Premier League.
The Keeper's Priceless Innings Steadies The Innings.
Alex Carey's day, in contrast, was simply invaluable, culminating around late afternoon as he drove Stokes through cover for three which prompted the Adelaide faithful to rise with a roar. Coming off his virtuoso outing with the gloves in Brisbane, his counterattacking 106 off 143 deliveries ensured that the mid-innings stumble to 94/4 failed to develop into a complete crisis. At 34, Carey is a serious cricketer nowadays.
The Australian batting lineup undoubtedly left some potential runs on the field, however. Absent was the pronounced pace and bounce of the first two Tests and in its place only a fraction of nibble if the right area was hit.
There was also a bit of turn to off-spinner Will Jacks, even if his consistency was that of a part-time spinner – hence figures of two for 105 off 20 overs – but the deliveries he did get to misbehave will give hope to Australia's own spinner, Nathan Lyon.
Solemn Backdrop and Late Switch.
This was always going to be an emotional occasion for the host nation, coming so soon in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi. The minute’s silence observed prior to the start of play was perfectly observed, broken only by folk singer a rendition performing a stirring rendition of True Blue.
By this stage, the hosts had also been compelled to make an alteration to their stated XI. Veteran batsman Steve Smith pulled out due to dizziness along with sickness in the morning – an apparent recurrence of a vertigo issue that has intermittently affected the star batter ever since he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s six years ago.
His place was taken by Usman Khawaja, a day after it was speculated his international career could be over. Before Carey's arrival, Khawaja had held the innings steady, walking out with the score on 33/2 and crafting a fine 82 off 126 deliveries a day out from his 39th birthday. Partnerships of 61 with Labuschagne plus another of 91 runs with Carey proved crucial.
The Tourist's Mixed Bag Persists.
Aside from Archer's efforts, and despite the energy-sapping heat, it remained yet another disappointing outing from England’s attack. Brydon Carse somewhat continued his inconsistent form of the series, picking up figures of 2/70 off 13 overs, and the incoming Josh Tongue claimed one for 63 from 15 overs.
Carse was all over the shop when tasked with sharing the duty of the new cherry early on, no-balling on five occasions yet removing Travis Head for just 10 runs thanks to a spectacular catch from Zak Crawley in the covers. This moment summed up the day for both teams: brilliance interspersed with periods of sloppy cricket.
