Carey’s Century Sets the Tone as Starc Torments England at Adelaide

Australia seized firm control on the opening day of the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval, producing a composed and resilient batting display that left England searching for answers. Powered by a career-reviving innings from Usman Khawaja, a commanding century from Alex Carey, and late resistance from Mitchell Starc, the hosts closed the day on a formidable 326 for 8.

Having won the toss, Australian captain Pat Cummins had no hesitation in choosing to bat on a surface offering early assistance to both seamers and batsmen willing to apply themselves. The build-up to the match, however, was far from ideal for the home side. Steve Smith was ruled out shortly before the start due to illness, opening the door for Khawaja’s return to the XI after missing the previous Test through a back injury.

Approaching his 39th birthday, Khawaja began under pressure and enjoyed a slice of fortune early on, surviving a chance when he was on just five. From that moment onwards, he looked increasingly assured, countering England’s disciplined bowling with crisp timing and calm shot selection. He brought up a vital fifty and appeared well set for a century before misjudging a delivery from Will Jacks just before the tea interval. Khawaja departed for a fluent 82 from 126 balls, an innings that may yet prove pivotal for both his career and Australia’s series prospects.

With wickets falling at regular intervals, Alex Carey assumed responsibility in the middle order. The wicketkeeper-batter forged crucial partnerships—first with Josh Inglis and later with Cummins—steadying the innings during a testing phase. Carey struck eight boundaries and a towering six, blending elegance with authority. Despite surviving a scare on 52 late in the day, he made England pay handsomely, going on to register his third Test century, fittingly achieved in front of his family at the ground.

England enjoyed brief moments of momentum, particularly after lunch when Jofra Archer struck twice in a single over to remove Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green. Further breakthroughs in the final session saw Inglis and Cummins depart, yet Australia refused to relinquish control.

As Carey eventually fell, caught behind off Jacks, Mitchell Starc emerged once more as an unlikely tormentor of England. Unbeaten on 33 at stumps, Starc continued a trend established in the previous Test, where his vital 77 had turned the match decisively. Once again, his counter-attacking intent threatens to push Australia beyond England’s reach.

The day was played under a sombre backdrop. Both teams wore black armbands and observed a minute’s silence in memory of victims of a fatal shooting at Bondi Beach. Security was visibly heightened around the stadium, with flags flying at half-mast.

With Australia firmly in the ascendancy, England face a stern examination on day two.

Australia First Innings Highlights (Day One)