Ashes, Adelaide Test: Australia compile 326/8 on Day 1
What's the story
Australia saw plenty of positives on Day 1 of the 3rd Ashes Test against England at Adelaide Oval. Usman Khawaja rescued them from initial turbulence, while a memorable century from Alex Carey headlined the day's second half. England banked on Jofra Archer, who produced two quick breakthroughs right after lunch. Meanwhile, Australia were 326/8 at stumps, with Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon returning unbeaten.
Absence
Australia enter without Steve Smith
Ahead of the match, Cricket Australia confirmed that Steve Smith had been suffering from dizziness and nausea for the last few days. Despite being closely assessed and monitored, he was withdrawn just before play began due to the persistence of symptoms. This led to Khawaja's recall and an unexpected change. Captain Pat Cummins confirmed at the toss that Khawaja would bat at No. 4.
Start
Australia off to shaky start
Openers Jake Weatherald and Travis Head gave Australia a steady start after Cummins elected to bat. However, before the duo departed in back-to-back overs, falling to Archer and Brydon Carse. Marnus Labuschagne and Khawaja added 61 runs for the third wicket thereafter. The first over after lunch produced two breakthroughs in the form of Labuschagne and Cameron Green, with Archer doing the damage.
Khawaja
Khawaja slams scintillating 82
Just when his Test career appeared to be over, star batter Khawaja made a scintillating half-century. Batting at No. 4, Khawaja paired up with Carey to propel Australia past 180. Khawaja's bid for a century was ended by Will Jacks in the 48th over. The Aussie batter was outfoxed while attempting a slog sweep. He departed after scoring 82 off 126 balls (10 fours).
Numbers
Khawaja races past 6,100 Test runs
Khawaja, one of the most successful Aussie openers, has raced past 6,100 runs in Test cricket. In 86 Tests, the left-handed batter has racked up 6,137 runs at an average of 43.83. This was his 28th half-century in addition to 16 tons in the format. Khawaja now has 1,462 runs from 21 Ashes Tests at an average of 40.61. This was his seventh half-century.
Carey
Carey bolsters Australia with his attacking knock
Carey came in when Australia were staring at a middle-order collapse at 94/4. He joined forces with Khawaja and added 91 runs (138 balls). Although Khawaja's untimely dismissal left Australia at 185/5, Carey stood out with his resilience. Sharing a 59-run stand with Josh Inglis, he took Australia toward 250. While both Inglis and Pat Cummins departed before 300, Carey got Starc's support.
Information
Memorable ton for Carey
Carey reached his hundred off just 135 balls in the 73rd over. It was an emotional moment for Carey, who lost his father Gordon Carey, in September this year. The former later fell to Will Jacks for a 143-ball 106 (8 fours and 1 six).
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Fourth Aussie wicket-keeper with Ashes ton
According to Cricbuzz, Carey became the fourth Australian wicket-keeper to have scored a century in the Ashes. He joined Adam Gilchrist (3), Brad Haddin (2), and Ian Healy (1).
Finish
Starc, Lyon return unbeaten
England took the second new ball after Carey's dismissal left Australia eight down (321/8). However, Starc and Nathan Lyon survived the final few overs bowled by Ben Stokes and Archer. Starc returned unbeaten on 33 (63), while Lyon played 18 dot balls. Meanwhile, Archer was the pick of England's bowlers on the opening day, taking 3/29 (16 overs). Stokes bowled the day's final over.