Key Takeaways:
- Alex Carey scored his third Test century and first Ashes hundred on day one of the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval.
- Usman Khawaja made a impressive comeback with a score of 82 after being recalled to the team at the last minute.
- Australia’s top order batters were criticized for their "lazy" dismissals, with Mark Waugh stating that they gifted England five wickets.
- Jofra Archer responded well to Steve Smith’s sledge with a hostile display, taking three wickets and conceding only 29 runs from 16 overs.
- England’s decision to drop Shoaib Bashir and play Will Jacks as their front-line spinner has been questioned, with many believing it has hurt their chances in the field.
Introduction to the Ashes Test
The third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval got off to a thrilling start, with Australia’s Alex Carey and Usman Khawaja leading the way. Carey scored his third Test century and first Ashes hundred, while Khawaja made a impressive comeback with a score of 82 after being recalled to the team at the last minute. However, Australia’s top order batters were criticized for their "lazy" dismissals, which prevented England from suffering a real day in the dirt. The hosts finished the day at 8/326, with Carey and Khawaja being the standout performers.
Alex Carey’s Brilliant Performance
Alex Carey’s performance on day one of the third Ashes Test was nothing short of brilliant. The Australian gloveman strode to the crease in the first over after lunch with his side in trouble at 4/94, but responded with a chanceless ton that was brought up in 135 deliveries. Carey’s form with the bat has been impressive, and he has now stolen the show for the way he wields the willow. He has enjoyed a sneakily impressive year with the bat, and his day one masterclass was his second century of the year after a career-best 156 in the second Test in Galle in February.
Usman Khawaja’s Impressive Comeback
Usman Khawaja’s recall to the team was a surprise to many, but he made the most of his opportunity with a score of 82. Khawaja was given an early life after being dropped at second slip by Harry Brook on just five, but he made scoring look effortless from there on. His world-class strokeplay through the leg side off both pace and spin bowling was a treat to watch, and he was unfortunate to fall short of what would have been an incredible three-figure milestone. Khawaja’s performance has left the Australian selectors with a major selection dilemma heading into Melbourne.
Australia’s Top Order Woes
Australia’s top order batters would be absolutely kicking themselves after the first day’s play in Adelaide. After Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat with temperatures hitting 35 degrees, the hosts’ top order missed their chance to really make England bake in the scorching heat. Mark Waugh criticized the top order for their "lazy" dismissals, stating that they gifted England five wickets. The dismissals of Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, and Cameron Green were far from pretty and said a lot about the batters’ shot selection.
Jofra Archer’s Hostile Display
Jofra Archer responded well to Steve Smith’s sledge with a hostile display, taking three wickets and conceding only 29 runs from 16 overs. Archer’s performance was a welcome sight for the Barmy Army, who watched Australia’s top four hop around the crease. The modern scoreboard attendants knew exactly what they were doing, flashing up the findings of the speed gun every delivery with Archer consistently hitting the mid to high 140km/h range. Archer’s efforts brought much delight to the Barmy Army, and his performance was exactly what captain Ben Stokes would have asked for.
England’s Spinner Conundrum
England’s decision to drop Shoaib Bashir and play Will Jacks as their front-line spinner has been questioned, with many believing it has hurt their chances in the field. Jacks’ economy rate for the day was a run-a-ball for his first dozen overs, and finished at 2-105 after 20 overs, leaving Jofra Archer as the only Pom to genuinely tie down an end amid the Adelaide heat. The move to select Jacks over Bashir also factors in Jacks’ ability with the bat and in the field, but at what cost? Former England captain Michael Vaughan stated that the decision not to play Bashir was a big call, and it now looks likely that the Poms are past the point of no return on this tour with Bashir.
