Alex Carey’s sparkling century on his home ground steadied Australia after a wobbly start on a sweltering opening day of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide. The wicketkeeper-batsman’s counterattacking 106 off 143 balls lifted the hosts to 326 for eight at stumps, after they had slumped to 94 for four in the afternoon session. England, led by a hostile Jofra Archer who took three for 29, toiled in the 35°C heat but showed the fight captain Ben Stokes demanded.
Carey’s knock, which included precise driving and cutting, came after he was dropped on 72 when a faint edge off Josh Tongue was not picked up by technology. Snicko showed a spike, but the third umpire upheld the on-field not-out decision; technology provider BBG later admitted user error. The 34-year-old shared a stand of 91 with Usman Khawaja, who made a classy 82 despite being dropped on five by Harry Brook.
Earlier, Australia lost Jake Weatherald early, then Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green fell to tepid chips off Archer either side of lunch. Green’s duck came less than 24 hours after his £2.06m IPL deal. Khawaja, recalled after Steve Smith was ruled out with dizziness, anchored the innings with calm experience. England’s attack, missing a leader all series, was marshalled by Archer, who averaged 88mph and offered control.
Will Jacks claimed two for 105 but struggled with length, while Brydon Carse took two for 70 but overstepped five times with the new ball. Nathan Lyon will be encouraged by the grip on offer for England’s left-handers. Despite the runs on the board, Australia will rue falling short of their ambitions after winning the toss on a good pitch.
