Alex Carey’s stunning century gave Australia a 326-8 lead on the opening day of the third Test in Adelaide, and lively England bowling kept the tourists’ faint Ashes hopes alive.
England were trailing 0-2 in five games following heavy defeats in Perth and Brisbane, but hopes of an unlikely comeback were dealt another blow when returning captain Pat Cummins from Australia lifted the toss and batted first for the home side in batting-friendly conditions.
But Ben Stokes’ side braved the scorching heat and seemingly flat surface of Adelaide Oval to pick up regular wickets, with only Usman Khawaja (82), called up at the last minute to replace the unwell Steve Smith, and Carey (106) making good use of the conditions.
Jofra Archer (3-29) spearheaded England’s attack, taking his first wicket and scoring a crucial brace in the first over after lunch, when Australia were threatening to take the lead.
Josh Tan, who replaced Gus Atkinson and was the only change from England’s second Test, bowled impressively to take 1-63, while Brydon Kearse (2-70) made a key contribution, rewarding Stokes’ continued faith in him.
Alex Carey scored a great century for Australia
All-rounder Will Jacks, preferred over full-time spinner Shoaib Bashir, was targeted by Australia but held his own to take the crucial wickets of Khawaja and Carey.
Australia suffered a huge blow before the match started. Smith, who captained the home team in Cummins’ absence for the first two games, was ruled out after reportedly suffering from a bout of dizziness before the game started.
More to come…
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