England's bowlers toiled in the Adelaide heat but were thwarted by a superb century from Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey on the opening day of the crucial third Ashes Test.
Australia Battles to Commanding Position
Australia, having won the toss and chosen to bat on a surface promising significant runs, closed a dramatic first day on 326 for eight. The day was overshadowed by the late withdrawal of key batsman Steve Smith, who reported nausea and dizziness later diagnosed as a vestibular issue affecting his balance.
His absence prompted a remarkable recall for veteran Usman Khawaja, who just 24 hours earlier appeared to have seen his international career end with omission. The 38-year-old, a day from his 39th birthday, seized the lifeline with a gritty 82 runs from number four, providing crucial backbone to the innings.
Carey Leads the Fightback After England's Early Strikes
England, urged by captain Ben Stokes to "scrap like dogs" after consecutive defeats in Perth and Brisbane, started with intent. The new-ball pairing of Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse delivered contrasting spells. Archer was miserly, conceding just seven runs from six overs, while Carse proved expensive.
Both found early breakthroughs, however. Archer forced an error from Jake Weatherald against the short ball, while Carse removed Travis Head thanks to a stunning one-handed catch by Zak Crawley at short cover. At 33 for two, England had their noses in front.
They missed a golden chance to deepen the crisis when Khawaja, on just five, edged Josh Tongue only for Harry Brook to drop the catch. Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne then added 61 before lunch to steady the ship.
Archer's Double Strike and Carey's Resolute Response
The momentum swung back England's way immediately after the interval. Archer produced a stunning double-wicket maiden, removing Labuschagne and the expensive new IPL signing Cameron Green with his first three balls of the session. Australia had slumped to 94 for four.
This brought Carey to the crease, and he proceeded to play the defining innings of the day. Forming vital partnerships—91 with Khawaja, 59 with Josh Inglis, and 50 with Mitchell Starc—he systematically rebuilt the Australian innings. His glovework has often drawn praise, but this, his first Ashes hundred and third in Test cricket, showcased his immense value with the bat.
Carey survived a major scare on 72 when England reviewed a caught-behind decision off Tongue. The 'Snickometer' showed a spike, but its timing was debated, and the TV umpire ruled in the batsman's favour, leaving Stokes visibly puzzled. Former elite umpire Simon Taufel later suggested it should have been given out.
Undaunted, Carey grew in confidence, hitting the day's only six off Will Jacks and reaching his century in front of an adoring home crowd. He finally fell for 106, top-edging Jacks to the keeper. Tongue and Carse struck late to keep England in the hunt, removing Inglis and returning captain Pat Cummins respectively.
The day began with a sombre minute's silence for the victims of the Bondi terror attack, followed by a poignant rendition of 'True Blue' by John Williamson, with both teams standing together in solidarity.
