Adelaide, Dec 17 (NationPress) Australia’s wicketkeeper batter Alex Carey showcased an exceptional display of batting at his home ground, steering his team to a promising position on the first day of the third Ashes Test, with Australia concluding the day at 326-8 at the Adelaide Oval.

Following a shaky start that left the hosts struggling at 94/4, Carey, alongside late inclusion Usman Khawaja, forged a crucial 91-run partnership for the fifth wicket, stabilizing Australia’s innings. The 38-year-old left-hander ultimately fell for 82 after being demoted in the batting order, showcasing his prowess as he struck multiple boundaries on the leg side to reach 41 by lunch.

Notably, Steve Smith was sidelined from the third Test due to a potential 'vestibular issue'. His unexpected exit allowed veteran batter Usman Khawaja to reclaim his spot in Australia’s playing XI after missing the initial two Tests in Perth and Brisbane.

The stand-in captain for the first two Tests this summer experienced symptoms of nausea and dizziness, leading to his absence from training on Monday. However, he returned to bat in the nets on Tuesday ahead of the third Test.

On Wednesday morning, Khawaja participated in a brief fitness test in the nets and was seen engaging in an intense discussion with Andrew McDonald and Pat Cummins, where they collectively made a final decision regarding his availability.

Khawaja set the tone for Australia with his 24th Test half-century, capitalizing on a dropped catch by Harry Brook when he was on five. The new No. 4 was dismissed by Will Jacks, attempting a sweep shot to deep square leg just before tea.

Despite the fall of wickets from the other end, the wicketkeeper-batter maintained his composure to register his third Test century and his first in front of a home crowd. This milestone was particularly poignant for Carey, who looked skyward in honor of his late father, who passed away in September due to leukaemia. The 34-year-old also ascended to become Australia’s leading 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 displayed aggressive intent but was bowled on 32, which included four boundaries. His inclusion remains uncertain for the Boxing Day Test once Smith returns to the lineup.

Carey, however, was dismissed through an unfortunate top edge, concluding his innings at 106, but the lower order continued to challenge England as Mitchell Starc, the standout performer from the first two Tests, remained unbeaten on 32, while spinner Nathan Lyon held his ground with 0*.

Jake Weatherald and Travis Head gave Australia a solid start, racing to 0/29 after their first six overs, which signaled ominous signs for the visitors. Head was spectacularly caught by Zak Crawley at the covers on 10, while Weatherald edged back to Smith on 18. Marnus Labuschagne once again began well but fell victim to Jofra Archer, who delivered a vital two-wicket over, dismissing both him and Cameron Green, who recorded his second duck of the series.

Archer ended the day with impressive bowling figures of 3-29 after 16 overs, while Carse and Jacks claimed two wickets each, with Josh Tongue taking Inglis’s wicket.

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