Alex Carey will make his Test debut at Gabba in the first Test of the Ashes 2021-22, starting on December 8. The South Australian cricketer will have a chance to cement his place in the Australian team as Tim Paine’s long-term successor.
The Australian Test side were in need of a wicketkeeper batter after Tim Paine resigned from the captaincy, his inappropriate conversation with a female co-worker resurfaced. Subsequently, he took an indefinite break from cricket to look after his mental health.
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Cricket Australia, on Thursday, announced Carey’s appointment for the first two Tests against England. Carey, who made his international debut for Australia back in 2018, has long been touted as Paine’s successor.
“I am incredibly humbled by this opportunity. It’s an exciting build-up for what is a huge series ahead. My focus is on preparing and playing my part in helping Australia secure the Ashes,”
Carey said in a media release.
Australia’s chairman of selectors, George Bailey stated that Carey will be a great addition to the squad and will be a deserving owner of baggy green.
“Alex has been a regular member of the national side in white-ball cricket, particularly in the one-day game. He is an excellent cricketer and a fine individual who will bring many great strengths into the team. He will be a very deserved holder of baggy green cap number 461.”
Carey was fighting for the spot with Josh Inglis, who has been in an incredible run of form in domestic cricket, including three centuries in the Sheffield Shield last season. The 26-year old Inglis was the backup keeper in Australia’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign and has been backed by the likes of Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne.
Carey hasn’t had a great season in the Shield this year, averaging 21.85 in eight innings and crossing fifty just once. But a timely hundred in the Marsh One-Day Cup did him a favour. Carey has been one of the consistent batters in the Shield prior to this season, averaging 59.64 with four hundreds in nine matches across three seasons.
Carey’s glovework has also received rich praises, particularly to fast bowling. The 30-year-old is also a potential candidate for a leadership role in the future.
