Carey’s ton lifts Australia on day one of 3rd Ashes Test
An emotional Alex Carey scored a brilliant 106 on his home ground, while Usman Khawaja added a resilient 82, giving Australia a commanding position in the third Ashes Test against England on Wednesday.
Batting after captain Pat Cummins won the toss as temperatures topped 36 Celsius at Adelaide Oval, the hosts were 326-8 at stumps on day one after the shock of Steve Smith being ruled out with illness, News.Az reports, citing foreign media.
Batting after captain Pat Cummins won the toss under sweltering conditions exceeding 36°C at Adelaide Oval, Australia finished day one at 326-8.
The hosts had to adjust to the unexpected absence of Steve Smith, who was ruled out due to illness. Mitchell Starc remained unbeaten on 33, with Nathan Lyon yet to score.
"To make a hundred here in front of home fans and family was special," an emotional Carey told Australian TV.
As he celebrated his maiden Ashes ton, Carey gestured towards the sky in a nod to his father Gordon, who died from cancer in September.
"I guess you know as well why I was looking to the heavens. I'm trying not to tear up. But, no, it was great."
The wicketkeeper's wife Eloise was spotted in tears by TV cameras as he celebrated.
"To have, mum, brother, sister, Eloise, the kids (here), it was a special moment," Carey added.
A tireless Jofra Archer ended with 3-29 on a tough day for England's bowlers in the field.
"I thought it was a good performance from our bowlers, the heat took us a bit by surprise," said England bowling coach David Saker.
"The boys toiled away.
"(Archer) had a point to prove, he sustained his pace and bowled at the stumps, and he was well supported."
Australia lead the five-Test series 2-0 and will retain the Ashes if they win or draw, after back-to-back eight-wicket thumpings in Perth and Brisbane.
Smith, who has more than 10,000 runs, had been feeling unwell in the lead-up but was on Tuesday named in the side.
He was on the field during the morning warm-up but left 20 minutes before the toss shaking his head.
His absence gave an unexpected reprieve to Khawaja, who turns 39 on Thursday and had been overlooked as opener in favour of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald.
Khawaja, who missed Brisbane after suffering back spasms in Perth, grabbed his chance in a stoic knock.
He was eventually out just before tea, slog-sweeping to Josh Tongue in the deep off the spin of Will Jacks.
Carey picked up the mantle, first alongside Josh Inglis (32), then Pat Cummins (13), and latterly Starc, who once more showed his prowess with the bat.
Carey hit eight fours and a six in his third Test century, bringing up the milestone in front of family, friends and 56,298 fans -- the biggest cricket crowd ever at the venue.
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