Australia ended Day 1 of the third Ashes Test on 326 for 8, with Alex Carey’s maiden Ashes century and Usman Khawaja’s 82 keeping the hosts afloat against a relentless yet inconsistent England attack at Adelaide Oval.
The day began in turmoil with Steven Smith’s shock withdrawal due to vertigo, giving Khawaja an unexpected lifeline. He seized the moment, converting an early reprieve from a slip drop into a commanding innings that, alongside Carey, built a 91-run fifth-wicket stand to restore Australia’s innings after a series of self-inflicted collapses.
England’s Jofra Archer emerged as the day’s lone threat with 3 for 29, including two wickets in three balls after lunch, while spinner Will Jacks struggled to find consistency. Despite Archer’s bursts, Australia’s middle order battled discipline issues but accumulated a competitive total, aided by Carey’s precise timing and composure under pressure.
Carey’s century, a 143-ball masterclass, was laced with emotion as he paid tribute to his late father, Gordon, in a touching moment that resonated with the 56,298-strong crowd. Khawaja’s innings, meanwhile, showcased patience and power, taking full advantage of England’s lapses in the field, including a critical early drop by Harry Brook.
Australia will hope their tail, led by Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon, can push the score past 350, while England remain in the contest with a chance to exploit further batting inconsistencies. The Ashes continues to deliver chaos, drama, and moments of brilliance in equal measure.
