Adelaide, Dec 17 (NationPress) Australia’s wicketkeeper batter Alex Carey showcased an exceptional batting display on his home turf, leading his team to a commendable position on Day 1 of the third Ashes Test. The hosts concluded the day at 326-8 at the Adelaide Oval.

Following an early stumble at 94/4, Carey, alongside late inclusion Usman Khawaja, constructed a vital partnership worth 91 runs for the fifth wicket, rescuing Australia from a precarious situation. The 38-year-old left-handed batsman eventually scored 82 after being shifted down the order, demonstrating his prowess with multiple boundaries on the leg side, reaching 41 by lunchtime.

Absent from the third Test due to a possible 'vestibular issue', Steve Smith’s last-minute withdrawal paved the way for veteran batter Usman Khawaja to return to Australia’s lineup after missing the initial two Tests in Perth and Brisbane.

The stand-in captain for the earlier Tests had experienced nausea and dizziness, causing him to miss training on Monday. However, he made a comeback to bat in the nets on Tuesday morning prior to the third Test.

On Wednesday, Khawaja underwent a brief fitness assessment in the nets and was seen having an earnest discussion with Andrew McDonald and Pat Cummins, seemingly making a final decision regarding his availability.

Khawaja set the tone for Australia, achieving his 24th half-century in Tests, benefiting from a dropped catch by Harry Brook when he was on just five runs. The new No. 4 was eventually dismissed by Will Jacks while attempting a sweep shot just before tea.

Despite the fall of wickets from the other end, the wicketkeeper-batter maintained his composure, scoring his third Test century and his first in front of his home crowd. This milestone was particularly significant for Carey, who looked skyward in memory of his late father, who passed away in September from leukaemia. The 34-year-old also became Australia’s top run-scorer in Tests this year, surpassing Steve Smith’s 618 runs to rank sixth globally for the most runs in the format this year.

Josh Inglis played aggressively but was bowled out for 32, which included four boundaries. His participation in the forthcoming Boxing Day Test remains uncertain pending Smith’s return to the squad.

Carey was dismissed due to an unfortunate top edge, concluding his innings at 106. However, the lower order continued to challenge England, with Mitchell Starc, the star of the first two Tests, contributing an unbeaten 32, while spinner Nathan Lyon remained not out.

Jake Weatherald and Travis Head provided Australia with a robust start, racing to 0/29 within their first six overs, signaling ominous signs for the visitors. Head was spectacularly caught by Zak Crawley at covers on 10, and Weatherald edged back to Smith at 18. Marnus Labuschagne got off to a promising start but fell victim to Jofra Archer, who was England's most effective bowler with a two-wicket over, dismissing both the right-handed batsman and Cameron Green, who recorded his second duck of the series.

Archer concluded the day with impressive figures of 3-29 after 16 overs, while Carse and Jacks claimed two wickets each, and Josh Tongue took the wicket of Inglis.

Brief scores: Australia 326/8 (Alex Carey 106, Usman Khawaja 82; Jofra Archer 3-29) vs England