Australia's cricketers once again demonstrated their formidable resilience, seizing control on the first day of the Adelaide Test despite significant pre-match disruption. The late withdrawal of star batsman Steve Smith due to an inner-ear problem forced a major reshuffle, but the hosts finished a chaotic day firmly on top, reaching 321 for the loss of eight wickets.
Disarray and Dropped Chances
England, already 2-0 down in the series, were presented with a golden opportunity before a ball was bowled. Smith's absence was compounded by Australia's decision to move Usman Khawaja down the batting order, a move that initially appeared to signal the end of his Test career. Yet, fortune favoured the hosts. Khawaja, on just five runs, was dropped by Harry Brook at slip when the score was 50 for three, a pivotal moment in the day's play.
The reshuffle also spared Khawaja from facing the brunt of Jofra Archer's fierce opening spell, a critical reprieve given his recent struggles against high-quality pace. Liberated by his lower position and the dropped catch, Khawaja played with remarkable fluency, compiling a vital 82 to steady the Australian innings after early wickets.
Carey Leads the Counter-Attack
While Khawaja provided the foundation, wicketkeeper Alex Carey produced the innings of the day. Promoted to number six in the order—ahead of specialist batsman and reserve keeper Josh Inglis—Carey played with characteristic enterprise. He capitalised on England's tiring attack and the favourable Adelaide conditions to score a brilliant century, his second of the year.
Carey's knock was instrumental in transforming Australia's position from a precarious 85 when he arrived at the crease to a commanding total. He shared a crucial partnership with Khawaja and later with the tail, shepherding the score past 300. His form continues to be a major asset for Australia, following consistent performances on tricky tours.
England's Missed Opportunities
For England, the day was another story of squandered chances and strategic frustration. After being defeated in the first two Tests despite Australia missing key bowlers, they failed to capitalise on Smith's absence. The dropped catch off Khawaja was a costly error in the field, while their bowlers, despite Archer's early threat, could not maintain consistent pressure.
The tourists also faced controversy surrounding a Snicko error that cost them Carey's wicket earlier in his innings, a moment that may lead to a formal complaint. As the day wore on, their only path back into the match appeared to be a brute-force effort with the ball on the second morning, followed by a mammoth batting effort in the forecast heat.
The pattern of the series held firm: Australia, amid all discombobulation, found a way to prosper, while England were left to rue what might have been. The hosts will resume on day two with two wickets in hand, in a dominant position built on adaptability and seized moments.
