Alex Carey hit a crucial century to rescue Australia from a “sticky situation” on a dramatic opening day of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide on Wednesday.
The hosts, 2-0 up in the five-match series, suffered a blow before a ball had been bowled when batter Steve Smith was ruled out due to illness and Usman Khawaja parachuted in at the last moment.
And Khawaja, who came in at four after being overlooked as opener in favour of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald, produced a gritty knock of 82 in a vital partnership with Carey.
Carey's 106 off 143 balls hauled Australia out of trouble, coming to the crease at 94-4 with Jofra Archer having just dismissed Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the first three balls of the afternoon session.
He led stands of 91 with Khawaja, 59 with Josh Inglis and 50 with Mitchell Starc, to halt the English charge and get the hosts back on track as they target an unassailable series lead.
“Really a little bit of a sticky situation there straight after lunch,” Carey said. “So to form a partnership with Uzzie [Khawaja], and I guess keep us in the mix [was special].
“Would love to have scored more runs and be there a bit longer. But to be able to take the helmet off and look up to the heavens, it was a really nice moment.”
They reached 326-8 at stumps after winning the toss on a pitch that promised big runs. Archer was the standout England bowler taking 3-29 but it was Carey's 106 that secured the headlines.
The wicketkeeper survived a big shout for caught behind on 72, uncertainty over the 'Snickometer' technology clouding the decision, but was
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