Thu Dec 18 04:20:00 UTC 2025: Carey’s Century and Khawaja’s Resurgence Highlight Opening Day of Adelaide Test
Adelaide, Australia – Alex Carey’s emotional century and a resilient knock from Usman Khawaja defined a captivating first day of the Christmas Test at the Adelaide Oval, as Australia and England battled to a standstill. Despite being initially ruled out of the match, Khawaja was a late inclusion at No. 4 due to Steve Smith’s vertigo.
Khawaja, given a life early on with a dropped catch, made the most of his opportunity, crafting a determined 82 that pulled Australia back from the brink after an early collapse sparked by Jofra Archer.
Following Khawaja’s dismissal, local favorite Alex Carey seized the spotlight, scoring a counterattacking century. Carey, who dedicated his innings to his late father, steered Australia through the middle overs with Mitchell Starc adding valuable support.
England, trailing 0-2 in the series, fought back admirably to remain in contention. Despite losing the toss on a hot day, the English bowlers, led by Will Jacks, pegged Australia back.
With extreme temperatures forecast for Thursday, the match hangs in the balance. England will need to quickly dismiss the remaining Australian batsmen and then produce a strong batting performance on what is expected to be a favorable surface. The outcome of the match could either seal the Ashes for Australia or ignite an unlikely comeback for England.
First Piper 