A magnificent century from wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey on his home ground put Australia firmly in the driver's seat on a scorching opening day of the third Ashes Test against England at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday. Carey's assured knock of 106, combined with a defiant 82 from veteran Usman Khawaja, propelled the hosts to a commanding total of 326 for 8 at stumps after captain Pat Cummins won the toss.
Khawaja Seizes Opportunity After Smith's Late Withdrawal
The day began with a major surprise as Steve Smith was ruled out due to illness just before the toss, despite being named in the playing XI. This unexpected absence opened the door for the experienced Usman Khawaja, who turns 39 on Thursday. Khawaja, overlooked as an opener earlier in the series, grabbed his lifeline with both hands. He anchored the innings after early wickets, surviving a drop on five, and ground his way to a hard-earned half-century before falling just before tea for 82.
Carey's Majestic Home Ground Masterclass
With the platform set, Alex Carey took centre stage. Playing with maturity and precision, he shepherded the lower middle order expertly. He built crucial partnerships with Josh Inglis (32), Pat Cummins (13), and an unbeaten Mitchell Starc (33*). Carey's innings was a mix of patience and controlled aggression, featuring eight fours and a six. He brought up his third Test century in front of a record Adelaide Oval crowd of 56,298, including his family and friends, before departing late in the day for 106.
England's Mixed Day in the Field
England's bowling effort was led by the impressive Jofra Archer, who finished with 3 for 29 from his overs. Archer produced a fiery spell after lunch, removing Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in quick succession to briefly halt Australia's momentum. Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse also picked up key wickets. However, the visitors will rue missed chances, including the dropped catch of Khawaja early in his innings, which proved costly on a taxing day where temperatures soared past 36 degrees Celsius.
The day commenced on a sombre note, with both teams wearing black armbands and observing a minute's silence to honour the victims of the recent Bondi Beach mass shooting. Security was heightened around the packed venue, with flags flying at half-mast.
Leading the five-match series 2-0 after convincing wins in Perth and Brisbane, Australia are now in a strong position to push for a result in Adelaide that would see them retain the Ashes urn. Nathan Lyon was yet to score at the close of play, with Starc looking set to extend the total on the second day.
