Usman Khawaja scored a half-century as a late inclusion to the Australia team as the hosts pushed to 194 for five at tea on day one of the third Ashes test against England on Wednesday.
Wicketkeeper Alex Carey was 48 not out, with number seven batter Josh Inglis on five after Khawaja was caught for 82 at deep square leg off the spin of Will Jacks, ending a 91-run partnership with Carey.
Khawaja had been drafted in late at Adelaide Oval after Steve Smith was forced to withdraw due to vertigo. He was dropped when on three by Harry Brook in the slips, having nicked paceman Josh Tongue.
Australia resumed on 94 for two after lunch, having won the toss and opting to bat first.
Marnus Labuschagne (18) and all-rounder Cameron Green (0) both threw away their wickets in three balls after lunch, with Brydon Carse catching both at midwicket off the bowling of Jofra Archer in near-identical dismissals.
England earlier dismissed both Australia’s openers in a six-ball burst before the first drinks break. Archer removed Jake Weatherald for 18 with a fast bouncer, the lefthander miscuing a pull to give an easy catch behind the wicket to Jamie Smith.
Carse recovered from a poor start to have a driving Head caught for 10, with Zak Crawley diving to his left at short cover to pluck a brilliant one-hander above the grass.
Australia, who hold the Ashes, lead the series 2-0 after eight-wicket wins in Perth and Brisbane.
Ashes series so far
Australia lead the five-test series 2-0 and need only draw the match in Adelaide to retain the urn.
Australia held a 2-0 lead in the last Ashes in England in 2023 before the hosts rallied to draw the series 2-2.
Cummins said lessons had been learned from that series.
“We probably let a couple of those (winning opportunities) slide, particularly at Headingley and The Oval,” he said.
“You just can’t let them go.”
Also read: Mitchell Starc Reaches 100 Ashes Wickets in Opening Test vs England
