Alex Carey and Usman Khawaja led Australia to a strong position on the opening day of the third Ashes Test against England at Adelaide Oval.
Carey scored a calm 106 on his home ground. Khawaja added a gritty 82. At stumps on day one, Australia were 326 for 8 after choosing to bat first. Mitchell Starc was unbeaten on 33 and Nathan Lyon had not yet scored.
Pat Cummins won the toss on a very hot day, with temperatures crossing 36 degrees Celsius. Australia were hit by late drama before the match when Steve Smith was ruled out due to illness. Smith had been named in the side on Tuesday and even took part in the morning warm up. He left the field shortly before the toss and did not play.
Smith’s absence opened the door for Khawaja, who was left out of the XI earlier. The left hander turns 39 on Thursday and many thought his Test career was over after he was left out of recent matches. He missed the Brisbane Test due to back spasms but made full use of his chance in Adelaide.
Khawaja was dropped early on five and made England pay. He batted with patience and control before falling just before tea. He was caught in the deep while trying to slog sweep off Will Jacks.
England’s bowlers worked hard on a long day in the heat. Jofra Archer was the standout with figures of 3 for 29. He produced a fiery spell just after lunch that shifted the momentum briefly.
Archer removed Marnus Labuschagne for 19 with the first ball after the break. Two balls later, Cameron Green was also out. Brydon Carse took both catches at midwicket. Australia suddenly lost two quick wickets.
Earlier, Jake Weatherald made 18 and Travis Head scored 10. Weatherald looked good early and hit several boundaries, but his aggressive approach cost him. Archer bounced him out with a sharp short ball. Head fell soon after to a fine low catch by Zak Crawley at short cover.
Carey steadied the innings after Khawaja’s exit. He shared useful stands with Josh Inglis, who made 32, and Cummins, who scored 13. He later added more runs with Starc.
Carey was dropped on 52 by Carse in the covers. He took full advantage of the chance. He hit eight fours and one six to reach his third Test hundred. He raised the landmark in front of family, friends and a crowd of 56,298, the largest ever for a cricket match at the venue. He was out late in the day, edging Will Jacks to the wicketkeeper.
Inglis and Cummins were dismissed in the final session. Nathan Lyon was yet to get off the mark at stumps.
Australia already lead the five match series 2 nil. They will retain the Ashes if they win or draw this Test.
Before play, both teams wore black armbands to honour the victims of the Bondi Beach mass shooting. A minute of silence was observed. Security was tight at the ground and flags were flown at half mast.
