Alex Carey produced the finest Ashes innings of his career, while Usman Khawaja took advantage to grab an extraordinary career lifeline to lift Australia through a demanding opening day of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval. In the absence of Steve Smith, who was ruled out of the third Test earlier in the morning ahead of the start of the play, Australia depended heavily on Khawaja and Carey, who both guided Australia to 8 for 326 at stumps on day one.
Earlier, returning captain Pat Cummins had no hesitation in batting first after winning the toss. However, his decision did not help Australia, with the top order succumbing to a blistering bowling attack from England. Australia would have hoped to land a decisive first-day blow. Instead, it was a day of hard labour, but they were rescued by Carey and Khawaja. Carey’s innings was the emotional centrepiece. Batting in his home city, the wicketkeeper played a noteworthy knock when it mattered the most.
On the other hand, Usman Khawaja seized an unexpected opportunity and made it count with his highest score on Australian soil in almost two years. Khawaja anchored the innings at a crucial moment, repeatedly halting England’s momentum just as pressure threatened to mount. He was out after contributing 82, and Alex Carey scored 106. For England, Jofra Archer took three wickets, while Brydon Carse and Will Jacks chipped in with two scalps each. Josh Tongue returned with one wicket.