Ashes 2025-26: Australia vs England Highlights & Review – 3rd Test, Day 1

Alex Carey and Usman Khawaja. (Photo source: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

How did Day 1 of the 3rd Ashes Test go between Australia vs England? — Review, Turning Points & more

Australia finished Day 1 of the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday, December 17, at 326/8 after winning the toss and opting to bat first.

After a sedate start, Australia lost their openers in consecutive overs. Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja forged a 61-run stand before Jofra Archer dismissed the former and Cameron Green in the same over.

From 94/4, Khawaja and Alex Carey steadied the ship with a 91-run partnership. Will Jacks broke the stand, dismissing Khawaja for 82. Josh Inglis and a fit-again Pat Cummins got starts but failed to make it count. Carey, however, went on to score a fluent century.

He departed for a 143-ball 106 in the closing stages of Day 1. Mitchell Starc remained unbeaten on 33, with Nathan Lyon (0) for company.

Top batting performance — Alex Carey

Alex Carey scored a fantastic century, hitting eight fours and a solitary six. The left-handed batter brought up his milestone in the 73rd over after facing just 135 balls. Australia were under pressure when Carey walked out to bat, but the wicketkeeper didn’t allow England to dominate by playing counter-attacking cricket.

Top bowling performance — Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer was the pick of the English bowlers by a distance. He dismissed Weatherald, Labuschagne, and Green to finish with figures of 3/29 in 16 overs. Archer will have a key role to play for the Three Lions with the second new ball.

Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved

• Steve Smith made his Ashes debut at the WACA, Perth, during the 2010/2011 series. The only other Ashes Test he’d missed since then (until this one) was the famous Headingley game in 2019.
• Alex Carey became the first wicketkeeper to get to a century on the opening day of an Ashes Test.
• The last designated wicketkeeper to score an Ashes ton was Jonny Bairstow at the WACA, Perth, in 2017-2018. Meanwhile, the last Australian to do that was Brad Haddin at this venue in 2013-14.
• Carey became only the fourth Australian wicketkeeper to score an Ashes century.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.