Alex Carey’s 106 in Adelaide set the tone for a scorching third Ashes test, with England edging ahead on a record-crowded day.
A Record-Breaking Crowd
The Adelaide Oval filled with 56,298 spectators, a test match record for the venue. The crowd’s roar helped fuel Carey’s confidence, as he later reflected, “A decent day’s cricket. The crowd – 56,000 in Adelaide – it’s pretty special.”
Weather-Set Conditions
Temperatures topped 35 °C (95 °F) on the opening day, and forecasts warned of a rise to 40 °C (104 °F) on Day 2. Such heat was expected to challenge bowlers as the match progressed.
Carey’s Century
Carey posted a hometown hundred, finishing on 106 just before stumps. He mistimed a slower ball from spinner Will Jacks, which brought his innings to an end. The century was a proud moment for the Adelaide crowd, and Carey said, “To make a hundred here in front of home fans and family, it was a great moment.”
Partnerships That Built the Score
Carey’s 106 was supported by a 91-run stand with Usman Khawaja, who had replaced Steve Smith on short notice. Additional partnerships included 59 runs with Josh Inglis, 26 with Pat Cummins, and 50 with Mitchell Starc. These collaborations kept Australia’s run rate around four per over.
Bowling Highlights
Joffra Archer delivered a sharp spell, taking 3-29 and claiming two wickets in three balls immediately after lunch. Spinner Will Jacks claimed 2-105, dismissing Australia’s two leading scorers and giving England a slight edge.
Starc’s Contribution
Mitchell Starc, who had earned player-of-the-match honors in the first two tests, remained unbeaten on 33 at stumps, adding a steady presence in Australia’s lower order.
Controversial Moments
Earlier in the series, Carey had stumped England’s Jonny Bairstow, an action that sparked intense debate and led to a storm of criticism across the cricketing world. Carey later said, “I love playing cricket and I understand what comes with playing professional sport. You’re not always going to be liked. There’s heroes and villains – that’s all part of the game.”
Replay and Operator Error
During the match, England believed Carey was out caught behind at 72. A review showed a noise spike before the ball reached his bat. BBG operators admitted an error, and founder Warren Brennan stated, “Given that Alex Carey admitted he had hit the ball in question, the only conclusion that can be drawn from this, is that the Snicko operator at the time must have selected the incorrect stump mic for audio processing.” He added, “In light of this, BBG Sports takes full responsibility for the error.”
Smith’s Absence and Khawaja’s Return
Steve Smith, who had guided Australia to victories in Perth and Brisbane, was unable to start the third test due to dizziness and nausea. His absence allowed Khawaja to re-enter the lineup on the eve of his 39th birthday.
Opening Partnership Struggles
Cummins won the toss and chose to bat, pairing Travis Head with Jake Weatherald. Archer struck in the fifth over, top-edgeing a short ball at almost 148 kph (92 mph) and catching Weatherald for 18. Brydon Carse took a wicket on the first ball of the next over, reducing Australia to 33-2, with Head 10 and caught by Zak Crawley.
Khawaja’s Resilience
Khawaja had a reprieve on 5 in the 16th over when Harry Brook took a catch at second slip. He then built partnerships with Labuschagne and Carey, before lofting a slog-sweep off Jacks that landed in Josh Tongue’s outfield.
Tribute to Bondi Victims
Players wore black armbands to honor 15 people killed and dozens injured in an antisemitic attack on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Police described the shooting as a terrorist act inspired by Islamic State. Flags were flown at half-staff on Day 1, and folk singer John Williamson performed “True Blue” during the pre-match program, which included a moment’s silence, an Indigenous “Welcome to Country,” and the national anthems.
Key Takeaways
- Alex Carey’s 106 helped Australia reach 326 for eight at stumps.
- Joffra Archer’s 3-29 and Will Jacks’ 2-105 gave England a slight advantage.
- Controversies over a stumping and a replay error highlighted the match’s drama.
The day’s events, from record crowds to intense on-field moments and a solemn tribute, underscored the high stakes and human stories that make the Ashes a global spectacle.
