Australia regained control on the opening day of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval, with Alex Carey producing one of the finest innings of his Test career to guide the hosts out of early trouble. After choosing to bat, Australia were rocked by a sharp England bowling display that left the top order under sustained pressure before Carey’s composure and precision changed the course of the day.
England made early inroads after lunch, exploiting movement and bounce to dismantle Australia’s middle order. The visitors’ pace attack applied relentless pressure, forcing mistakes and briefly placing Australia on the back foot. At that stage, the prospect of a modest first-innings total appeared realistic.
Usman Khawaja played a vital supporting role with a determined 82, anchoring the innings during a difficult phase and ensuring Australia avoided a complete collapse. His experience proved crucial as wickets fell around him, allowing Australia to reach a position of relative stability before his dismissal late in the afternoon session.
Carey then assumed full responsibility, displaying calm judgement and controlled aggression. He rotated the strike efficiently, punished loose deliveries and showed patience against disciplined bowling. His partnerships lower down the order frustrated England and steadily rebuilt Australia’s innings under intense heat and pressure.
Reaching his century to a warm reception from the Adelaide crowd, Carey delivered a statement performance that underlined his growing importance in the Test side. Australia closed the day on 326 for eight, a total that looked unlikely during the earlier collapse but now provides a solid platform heading into day two.
For England, there were encouraging spells with the ball, particularly during the middle session, but lapses in consistency allowed Australia back into the contest. As the match progresses, both sides remain firmly in contention, with Carey’s innings standing out as the defining moment of the opening day.
