England battle despite Carey ton in crucial Test

Third Ashes Test, Adelaide Oval (day one of five)

Australia 326-8: Carey 106, Khawaja 82; Archer 3-29

England: yet to bat

Australia won the toss

England battled hard to stay in the Ashes as Alex Carey’s century led Australia to 326-8 on the first day of the third Test.

On a dramatic, poignant and emotional day in Adelaide, Carey’s composed 106 ensured Australia did not waste the opportunity to bat first on a slow pitch in baking temperatures.

Carey’s knock was not without controversy. On 72 England failed with a review for caught behind off Josh Tongue, which Carey later admitted to edging.

Australia’s effort means England, who must win to keep their hopes of regaining the Ashes alive, will be batting under pressure on the second day.

Even before the Adelaide Oval paid tribute to the victims of the shooting at Bondi Beach, Steve Smith was ruled out of the Test with symptoms of dizziness and nausea.

Smith’s replacement Usman Khawaja took his unexpected opportunity with 82 after being dropped by Harry Brook on five. Khawaja steadied the home side amid some loose Australian shots against some mixed England bowling.

Jofra Archer was outstanding for his 3-29 from 16 overs, including taking two wickets in the first over after lunch.

Khawaja and Carey added 91 for the fifth wicket, yet when Australia were reduced to 271-7 England had a real opportunity.

Once again, Mitchell Starc found a way to contribute, adding 50 for the eighth wicket with Carey.

For all the talk of England errors in the first two Tests, the wisdom of their holiday in Noosa and a change of approach in this match, the tourists cannot be faulted for their effort or attitude in the 34-degree heat.

There were times when the bowling was ragged and part-time off-spinner Will Jacks struggled to contain.

But Archer stepped up as the attack leader and, bar the Brook drop, England’s fielding was largely blemish-free.

They were helped by the wastefulness of the Australians, who had to deal with the loss of Smith. The hosts’ premier batter is expected to be fit for the fourth Test on Boxing Day.

The mood at the Adelaide Oval – one of the most beautiful grounds in world cricket – was initially sombre as the victims of Bondi were mourned. A moment’s silence was observed and Australian singer John Williamson performed ‘True Blue’.

From then on the cricket was nip-and-tuck, an arm-wrestle for supremacy. Both sides mixed moments of quality with self-inflicted errors.

Their respective innings would have carried plenty of meaning for both Khawaja and Carey.

A day short of his 39th birthday, Khawaja may have thought his Test career was over until Smith’s illness. For Carey, a South Australian, this was a first Test on his home ground since the passing of his father in September.

Both men arrived after two wickets fell in quick succession. Khawaja looked nervous at first and a flashing drive at Tongue should have been held by Brook diving to his left at second slip.

From there, left-hander Khawaja waited for England to drift straight and tucked off his pads – barely a run came in front of square on the off side. He eventually fell sweeping Jacks into the hands of deep square leg.

Carey is proving a thorn in England’s side and a third Test century came with crisp drives and aggression against Jacks.

He was almost caught on 52, only for Carse to put down an extremely difficult chance, then came the huge moment of the review.

With Australia 245-6, Carey aimed a cut at Tongue that ended in the gloves of Jamie Smith. Denied the decision on field, the tourists called for a review.

Carey even appeared to nod towards the England players, suggesting he hit the ball. Despite evidence of sound on the technology, TV umpire Chris Gaffaney did not overturn the decision of Ahsan Raza.

Stokes has said his dressing room is “no place for weak men” and called this the most important Test of his captaincy. His words certainly drew a show of character from his team.

Archer was a constant threat, bowling with high pace and miserly economy. He bounced out Jake Weatherald in the first hour, then produced leg-side pokes from both Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the over after lunch.

Carse typified England’s ups and downs. He was far too short with the new ball, yet still took the wicket of Travis Head thanks to Zak Crawley’s stunning one-handed catch at short cover.

The Durham paceman leaked runs at more than five an over and bowled six no-balls, though still took two catches, almost held Carey and had returning Australia captain Pat Cummins caught at short leg.

Tongue deserved more on his recall to the England side, especially as the victim of Brook’s drop. The most obvious issue for the tourists was part-time spinner Jacks’ inability to hold an end – he returned 2-105 from his 20 overs.