Australia recovered from 94 for four to surpass 300 on the opening day of the third Ashes Test. Hometown hero Alex Carey scored his first Ashes century, turning a potential collapse into a commanding total. The match, held at Adelaide Oval, saw scorching temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius (95F), testing both teams’ endurance.
Carey’s Heroics and Crucial Partnership
Batting at number four, Carey steadied the innings after early wickets fell cheaply. Usman Khawaja, replacing the unwell Steve Smith, contributed a solid 82 off 126 balls. Together, Carey and Khawaja added a vital 91-run partnership, lifting Australia from 94 for four to a competitive position.
Carey’s innings included steadfast defense and attacking strokes, earning chants of “Carey! Carey!” from the sell-out crowd of 56,298. He reached 106 before being caught attempting a slog-sweep against Will Jacks, marking a memorable first Ashes century.
England’s Missed Opportunities
England had multiple chances to restrict Australia but failed to capitalize. Harry Brook dropped Khawaja on three at second slip, while Brydon Carse missed a difficult catch to dismiss Carey at 52. Captain Ben Stokes also misused two review opportunities to remove Carey during his innings.
Despite moments of ascendancy, England’s bowlers struggled to maintain pressure under the taxing Adelaide heat.
Early Wickets and Recovery
Australia’s openers, Travis Head and Jake Weatherald, fell early for 10 and 18 runs respectively. Labuschagne and Cameron Green also lost wickets cheaply, leaving Australia in a precarious position post-lunch.
However, Carey’s resilience and strategic batting anchored the team, ensuring a strong total of over 300 runs by stumps.
Outlook and Conditions
Day two is expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius, intensifying the challenge for England’s batsmen and bowlers. Australia, trailing 2-0 in the series, gained momentum and confidence with this crucial first-innings performance. England will aim for early wickets to prevent Australia from building an unassailable position in Adelaide.
Conclusion
Alex Carey transformed from Ashes villain to hero with a commanding century in extreme heat. His performance not only stabilized Australia’s innings but also boosted morale in a critical series. The Adelaide Test promises an exciting contest as both teams battle challenging conditions and high stakes.
