Carey, Khawaja shine on an opening day of twists

Steve Smith's absence hung over the first morning of the Adelaide Test. He attempted his pre-match routine but withdrew due to persistent dizziness.

Usman Khawaja, dropped from the squad the previous evening, found himself batting at No.4. Dropped on 5 by Harry Brook, he made a solid 82 on a good pitch, steadying the innings when needed.

Alex Carey, coming off an exceptional keeping display in Brisbane, scored a proper, considered century. He batted with composure, scoring briskly in line with Australia's positive approach. The hosts closed on 326 for 8.

England, having lost the toss on a pitch offering little assistance, can feel reasonably content. They struck when needed and kept themselves in the contest.

The day began poorly for England. Brydon Carse sprayed the new ball, leaking boundaries. Jofra Archer removed Jake Weatherald early, caught at leg slip. Travis Head fell soon after to a brilliant Zak Crawley catch, leaving Australia 33 for 2.

Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne counter-punched with a 61-run stand. Khawaja broke free after his reprieve, scoring 35 off 27 balls as England's discipline wavered.

A collapse followed immediately after lunch. Archer dismissed Labuschagne with a short ball, and Cameron Green fell two balls later for a duck, leaving Australia 94 for 4.

Carey and Khawaja rescued the innings with a 91-run partnership. Khawaja glided to a fifty before falling for 82, slog-sweeping Will Jacks to deep mid-wicket with a century in sight.

Carey continued, dropped on 52 by Carse. With Josh Inglis looking bright, Australia were motoring again until Josh Tongue bowled Inglis for 32. Carse then trapped Pat Cummins, leaving Australia seven down and short of 300.

Mitchell Starc provided stubborn support, adding a brisk 50 with Carey, who reached his third Test century—the first by a designated keeper in an Ashes Test since 2017. Carey fell for 106, top-edging a slog sweep against Jacks.

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