Alex Carey’s superb hundred guided Australia to 326-8 as a blistering display from England’s bowling kept the visitors’ faint Ashes hopes alive on day one of the third Test in Adelaide.

Trailing 2-0 in the five-match series after heavy defeats in Perth and Brisbane, England’s hopes of a comeback suffered a further blow when returning Australia skipper Pat Cummins won the toss to earn the home team’s first bat in batting-friendly conditions.

However, Ben Stokes’ side overcame sweltering heat and a seemingly flat surface at the Adelaide Oval to take regular wickets, with only Usman Khawaja (82) – called up at the last minute in place of the unfit Steve Smith – and Carey (106) taking advantage of the conditions correctly.

Jofra Archer (3-29) spearheaded England’s attack, taking the opening wicket and striking twice crucially as Australia threatened to take control of the game in the first over after lunch.

Josh Tongue, who replaced Gus Atkinson, England’s only change since the second Test, bowled impressively, returning with figures of 1-63, while Brydon Carse (2-70) repaid Stokes’ continued faith in him with some key contributions.

All-rounder Will Jacks – preferred over full-time spinner Shoaib Bashir – was targeted by Australia but he mustered the courage to take the crucial wickets of Khawaja and Carey.

Australia suffered a major blow before the start of the tournament when Smith, who captained the home team in the absence of Cummins in the first two Tests, was reportedly ruled out on the eve of the match due to dizziness.

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