Careys Century Keeps Australia in the Fight as Hosts Reach 326-8 on Day 1 in Adelaide

Australia fought back strongly on the opening day of the third Ashes Test against England at the Adelaide Oval, riding on a magnificent century from wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey. The hosts finished Wednesday’s play at 326 for 8.

Walking in at a moment of pressure, Carey changed the course of the match with a counterattacking innings. His 106-run knock ensured Australia remained competitive at the end of day one. Although the hosts lost three wickets in the final session, they added a further 132 runs before stumps

Carey was eventually dismissed via a top edge, but Mitchell Starc remained unbeaten on 33 at the other end. Starc will resume batting on day two alongside Nathan Lyon (0*). Earlier, Josh Inglis played a valuable supporting role, forging an important partnership with Carey. Inglis scored 32 before being dismissed after chopping the ball back onto his stumps.

For England, Jofra Archer was the most successful bowler on day one, claiming three wickets. Brydon Carse and Will Jacks also provided support, picking up two wickets each.

Earlier, Usman Khawaja made an impressive return with the bat, scoring a fluent 82 off 126 balls to take Australia to 194 for 5 at tea. However, he missed out on a well-deserved century. Australia lost three wickets in the second session, allowing England to gain some momentum on what appeared to be a relatively flat pitch.

Australia were rocked immediately after lunch by a fiery spell from Jofra Archer, who dismissed Marnus Labuschagne (19) and Cameron Green (0) within the space of three balls, reducing the hosts to 94 for 4. Labuschagne chipped a catch to mid-wicket, while Green’s glance off the pads was brilliantly caught by Brydon Carse, diving full length to his right to hand Archer his third wicket of the day.

Carey and Khawaja then steadied the innings, adding 91 runs for the fifth wicket. England captain Ben Stokes introduced Will Jacks into the attack, and Khawaja fell attempting a slog sweep.

Australia’s start in the morning session was far from ideal, but Khawaja and Labuschagne stabilized the innings with a 61-run partnership for the third wicket off 90 balls. After winning the toss, Australian captain Pat Cummins elected to bat first.

Australia suffered a major blow before the start of the match, with star batter Steve Smith ruled out due to illness on the morning of the Test. Usman Khawaja was named as his replacement in the playing XI