Carey rescues Australia after Archer blows: 3rd Test, Day 1 (Adelaide)

Australia won the toss and elected to bat under hot conditions at Adelaide Oval, but early in their innings they struggled, slipping to 94/4 as England’s bowlers struck regularly.

Usman Khawaja, who replaced the injured Steve Smith at the last moment, steadied the hosts with a determined 82. The real momentum shift came from wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey, who struck an emotional 106 — his first Ashes century on home soil — guiding the innings back on track.

Australia finished the day strongly at 326/8, with Mitchell Starc unbeaten on 33 and Nathan Lyon yet to score. England’s Jofra Archer was the standout bowler with figures of 3/29 as the tourists kept the pressure on despite the big total.

Carey’s knock was pivotal, coming after Australia lost key top-order wickets and helping convert a tricky situation into a commanding position for the hosts.

England will resume on Day 2 aiming to bowl Australia out and then take advantage with the bat, but the home side’s resilient batting — highlighted by Carey and Khawaja — has put them firmly in control heading into the second day of this crucial Ashes encounter.

Australia 326 for 8 (Carey 106, Khawaja 82, Archer 3-29) vs England.

Dec 2025