Australia recovered from a mid-afternoon wobble to reach 326-8 at stumps on day one of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, after England had reduced them to 94-4 shortly after lunch. The hosts won the toss and chose to bat on a flat pitch, but a series of poor shots gifted England wickets before a composed partnership between Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc steadied the innings.
Jofra Archer was England's standout bowler, claiming 3-29 from his spell, while Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue toiled gamely in the heat. Will Jacks was expensive, conceding 100 runs, but picked up two crucial wickets, including that of Carey late in the day. England's attack mixed luck with design to keep the pressure on, but the tourists will need to dismiss the tail quickly on day two to maintain their foothold in the match.
Alex Carey brought up his third Test century – and his first on home soil – to a standing ovation from a record crowd of 56,298 at Adelaide Oval. He looked emotional after reaching three figures, especially given the recent passing of his father in September. Carey shared a 50-run partnership with Mitchell Starc, who remained unbeaten on 33 at the close, with Nathan Lyon yet to score.
The attendance set a new record for a day's cricket at the ground. There was also controversy surrounding Carey's dismissal: former umpire Simon Taufel suggested a possible technology failure might have missed a caught behind earlier when Carey was on 72. Ultimately, he fell to a top edge off Jacks, caught by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.
England took the new ball in the closing overs but could not separate Starc and Lyon. Ben Stokes bowled a maiden but found no swing. The match is tantalisingly poised, with England needing to bat well on day two to keep their Ashes hopes alive.
