Australia made a commanding start to the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval, dominating proceedings on the opening day with a blend of resilience and attacking flair. Usman Khawaja played a career-saving innings of 82, while Alex Carey celebrated his third Test century. Following their departures, it has been left to the all-round prowess of Mitchell Starc to torment England, with Australia finishing the day on 326 for 8.

Winning the toss, captain Pat Cummins elected to bat on a pitch offering a fair balance between bat and ball. Australia’s plans were disrupted before the start as Steve Smith was ruled out due to illness, opening the door for Khawaja’s recall.

Khawaja, approaching his 39th birthday and returning after missing the previous Test due to a back injury, survived a reprieve on five runs. From that point, he grew in confidence, reaching a well-earned fifty. Just as a century seemed within reach, he misjudged a delivery from Will Jacks just before the tea interval, falling for 82 off 126 balls. His innings, however, laid a solid platform for the middle order.

Alex Carey then assumed responsibility, building partnerships with Josh Inglis and later Pat Cummins. Displaying elegance and controlled aggression, Carey struck eight boundaries and a six, eventually reaching his century in front of family members in the stands. After surviving on 52 late in the day, he maximised the opportunity, before finally edging Jacks to the wicketkeeper.

England had brief moments of respite after lunch, when Jofra Archer struck twice in a single over to remove Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green. Later in the day, Inglis and Cummins also fell, but Australia maintained the upper hand.

Mitchell Starc now shoulders the responsibility of frustrating England, remaining unbeaten on 33 at stumps. Starc had previously played a match-winning innings of 77 in the second Test and appears poised to influence this contest in a similar manner.

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

Australia thus ended day one in a commanding position, with England facing a stiff challenge on day two.

Australia First Innings – Day One Highlights