Carey hits ton to give Australia upper hand in third Ashes Test

An emotional Alex Carey slammed a controversial 106 on his home ground and Usman Khawaja hit a defiant 82 on Wednesday to put Australia in the driving seat of the third Ashes Test against England.

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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.

Mitchell Starc was not out 33 and Nathan Lyon yet to score.

"To make a hundred here in front of home fans and family was special," Carey said, although it was shrouded in controversy over a let-off on 72.

Carey conceded he likely edged a delivery from England quick Josh Tongue that was caught behind by Jamie Smith.

"I thought there was a feather or some sort of noise when it passed the bat," he said.

"If I was given out I think I would have reviewed it, probably not confidently."

He was given not out and England failed to have the decision overturned on review with replays showing a noise spike before the ball reached his bat.

The "snicko" technology's operator, BBG, admitted to reporters after play there had likely been an error with England raising the matter with match referee Jeff Crowe.

"I don’t think we've done anything about it so far but after today, maybe that might go a bit further," said England bowling consultant David Saker.