Alex Carey struck a stirring, emotional century to pull Australia out of serious trouble on the opening day of the third Ashes Test against England at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday.
Walking in after Australia lost Marnus Labuschagne to the first ball after lunch and Cameron Green two deliveries later for a duck, Carey responded with composure and intent. His 106 from 143 balls, laced with eight fours and a six, was his third Test hundred and his first in front of his home crowd, lifting Australia from a shaky 94/4.
To make a hundred here in front of home fans and family was special. I guess you know as well why I was looking to the heavens. I’m trying not to tear up, but it was a great moment.
Carey later revealed the knock was a tribute to his late father, who passed away in September. “My dad played the biggest role in my cricket. He coached me all the way through and always kept me honest,” Carey said. “It was special for me, but for the family too.”
Khawaja Makes Most of Late Recall After Smith Withdrawal
Usman Khawaja, drafted into the XI at the last minute after Steve Smith was ruled out with nausea and dizziness, played a crucial supporting role with a gritty 82 from 126 balls. Dropped on five by Harry Brook, Khawaja settled quickly and reached his 24th Test half-century by lunch, repeatedly working the leg side and punishing loose deliveries.
I just tried to stay present and make the most of the second chance.
The 38-year-old eventually fell attempting an uncharacteristic sweep to deep square leg, handing off-spinner Will Jacks his first wicket, but not before laying the platform for Australia’s recovery.
Partnership Steadies Australia After Post-lunch Wobble
From a precarious 94/4, Carey and Khawaja combined for a vital 91-run stand for the fifth wicket, absorbing pressure and swinging momentum back Australia’s way.
Josh Inglis added 32 before chopping on, while late wickets briefly slowed Australia’s progress. Carey’s dismissal, a top edge, ended a defining innings, but Mitchell Starc’s unbeaten 33 ensured the hosts finished strongly at 326/8, with Nathan Lyon yet to score.
Controversy as Carey Survives Caught-behind Appeal
Carey enjoyed a slice of fortune on 63 when England appealed for a caught-behind off Josh Tongue. On-field umpire Ahsan Raza ruled not out, and England’s review was turned down.
“There’s a clear gap, no spike,” TV umpire Chris Gaffaney said, explaining the snickometer spike appeared before the ball passed the bat.
Archer Stands Out as England Search for Control
Jofra Archer was England’s best bowler on the day, finishing with 3-29 from 16 overs, consistently challenging the batters with pace and discipline. Brydon Carse and Will Jacks claimed two wickets apiece but were less consistent.
We know how quickly Test matches can change. If we can knock them over early tomorrow, it’s still game on.
Australia will resume on day two firmly on top after a long, emotionally charged opening day, with Carey’s hundred and Khawaja’s resilience setting the tone.
Brief Score: Australia 326/8 in 83 overs (Alex Carey 106, Usman Khawaja 82; Jofra Archer 3-29, Brydon Carse 2-70, Will Jacks 2-105) vs England.
