After much discussion over England’s batting lineup, Carberry was announced to open alongside captain Cook, with Joe Root set to feature at number five.
The pair looked assured while seeing off the first, and second new ball, navigating their way to 318-0 by stumps.
Cook’s century came first, shortly after tea. A day of underwhelming bowling on a pitch devoid of life was met with an understated celebration. Carberry, on the other hand, let his emotions loose. Fitting for a man who three years ago suffered a blood clot on the lung, which could have ended far more than his International career.
More than the form of the England batsmen, Australia will be worried as to the sterile nature of their attack. Lacking in variation and bite, they only threatened twice in the day.
Firstly, an LBW appeal from captain Moises Henriques was snubbed, the ball found to be flying just past Cook’s off-stump, and the one genuine catching opportunity was left begging by Trent Copeland in the gully, affording Carberry another life.
The pair saw out the day, both closing on scores above 150. Cook ended on 154*, while Carberry closed one run behind, on 153*, putting England firmly in the driving seat after a day that will have done much for his chances of opening in the first Test later this month.
This is the first match of the tour to feature Nottinghamshire’s Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad, having been rested for the previous three-day contest against Western Australia.
England return to Trent Bridge next summer, in the first Investec Test Match between July 9-13, and again in August for a One Day International. For tickets click here.