Emotional Carey puts Aussies on top

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

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Australia batsman Alex Carey celebrates scoring a century.

(AFP)

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," an emotional Carey told Australian TV.

As he celebrated his maiden Ashes ton, Carey gestured towards the sky in a nod to his father Gordon, who died from cancer in September.

"I guess you know as well why I was looking to the heavens. I'm trying not to tear up. But, no, it was great."

The wicketkeeper's wife Eloise was spotted in tears by TV cameras as he celebrated.

"To have, mum, brother, sister, Eloise, the kids [here], it was a special moment," Carey added.

A tireless Jofra Archer ended with 3-29 on a tough day for England's bowlers in the field.