Ashes 3rd Test: Carey’s Brilliant Century Powers Australia to 326/8

Adelaide: The third Ashes Test between Australia and England began on an exciting note as wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey played a magnificent knock to rescue the hosts on Day 1. At stumps on Wednesday, Australia reached 326 for 8 in their first innings.

Carey struck a classy 106 off 143 balls, hitting eight fours and one six. When Australia were in serious trouble, he steadied the innings with great composure. He received solid support from Usman Khawaja, who scored a fluent 82 off 126 balls, including ten boundaries.

Australia won the toss and opted to bat, but England’s pace attack, led by Jofra Archer, put the hosts under early pressure. Australia slipped to 94 for 4, losing key wickets cheaply. Archer dismissed Weatherald (18), Labuschagne (19), and Green (0), while Brydon Carse removed Travis Head (10).

From that point, Carey took control of the innings. He added 91 runs for the fifth wicket with Khawaja, followed by a 59-run stand with Josh Inglis (32) for the sixth wicket. Carey then built smaller but crucial partnerships with Pat Cummins (13) and Mitchell Starc, adding 50 runs for the eighth wicket before being dismissed.

At the close of play, Starc was unbeaten on 33, with Nathan Lyon yet to score. England’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Archer finishing as the standout performer.

Steve Smith missed the match due to illness, while skipper Pat Cummins returned to the side with this Test.

Brief Scores

Australia 1st Innings: 326/8
Carey 106, Khawaja 82, Starc 33*; Archer 3/29, Carse 2/70, Will Jacks 2/105