Australian cricket’s worst-kept secret has now been officially revealed; Alex Carey will replace Tim Paine as Test wicketkeeper for the first Ashes Test next week.
South Australian gloveman Carey beats out Western Australia’s Josh Inglis for the job, which became available following Paine’s resignation from the captaincy and the Ashes squad following his much-publicised sexting scandal.
He is set to be Australia’s 461st Test cricketer at the Gabba, having undertaken a long-term apprenticeship as Paine’s heir apparent behind the stumps which has included a stint as ODI and T20I wicketkeeper.
“I am incredibly humbled by this opportunity,” Carey said in a statement.
“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.”
At 30 years old, Carey has had to bide his time for a Test call-up. He first came close to selection ahead of the 2017-18 Ashes, only to lose out to Paine. Since then, the keeper-batsman has remained at the forefront of selectors’ minds with some excellent white-ball cricket for Australia, including playing a starring role in the 2019 ODI World Cup.
However, a barnstorming 2021 from Inglis, which included a dominant 2020-21 Sheffield Shield season as well as some dynamic batting performances in T20 competitions around the world, saw him rocket into contention. He will now keep wickets for Australia A in next week’s match with the England Lions, to be played alongside the Test in Brisbane.
Chief selector George Bailey praised Carey in a statement, revealing his white-ball experience at the highest level was a major factor in winning him the Test job.
“Alex has been a regular member of the national side in white ball cricket, particularly in the one-day game,” Bailey said in a statement.
“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.”
While Carey’s first-class average sits at 34.73, only slightly better than Paine’s, he has averaged over 50 across the last two Sheffield Shield seasons, albeit only playing seven matches due to his international commitments. Three of his five career centuries have also come in that time.
His glovework, particularly to pace bowling, has also been acclaimed in South Australia; he holds the Sheffield Shield record for most dismissals in a season with 59 in 2016-17.
Pierro
Roar Rookie
Yep all summer per Jeff's note above , in bold print , I was pushing for Harris to be dropped and labs or khawaja to open . As labs opens , yet again for Harris it all makes sense as it did pre series on facts
Pierro
Roar Rookie
Well all per my comments it's Labuschagne opening for Harris failure ..yet again . See my note below outlining how it's been the same for Harris last half a dozen tests really . I stand by it labs or khawaja to open and presented the facts below . Never a better day to open at Gabba . Day 2 sunshine less grass on wicket than yesterday .
Pierro
Roar Rookie
Can I say my comments on Harris look fairly accurate again. Guess what labsuchange is opening ..again after a Harris failure . See long comment above . Groundhog day. People refuse to acknowledge facts on here and quote silly stats
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
No problem, didn't mean to sound miffed. Thought you were implying Carey was the only one who had done this as per the article. Peirson has done pretty well too, averaging 39 the last three seasons, which is almost equivalent to Carey given his home ground is the Gabba which has had a lot of seaming wickets.
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
O-kay!
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
I was simply asking for more info on something you've obviously researched and I haven't. Just trying to inform myself more, sorry you took it as criticism!
Rugbyrah
Guest
My 11 Warner Marnus S smith Green Head Maxwell Inglis Neser Cummins Swepson Hazelwood 9 batters 8 bowlers 3 pace 1 swing 4 spin Attack that relies only on top pace and spin lacks the lethal swing ala terry alderman and a lot of English attack.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
I have no issue with opinions. Opinions masquerading as a year-long agenda is a different matter.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Not sure what your point is. I was referring to the arguments and statistics used in the article, not making a case for Inglis or Carey. As I said, Carey is a good, safe choice. Carey has actually averaged 44 in the Shield over the last three seasons (12 matches), which is still very good for a gloveman, and one of the good reasons for picking him.
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
Give him a break, it’s an opinion site, objectivity went out of the actual journalists articles in all media a long time ago. It’s all opinion with very little fact. I read a laughable ‘article’ from Crikey yesterday which purported to be news, which was all emotive words and phrases to deride critics of Andrews in Victoria and McGowan in WA. It was plainly obvious where their bias lay! Their ‘facts ‘ to support their hypothesis was that the Age said it too! Your counterpoints to Pierro were contextually spot on, but surely it’s not necessary for commenters to be objective on a site that thrives on comment and debate?
Pierro
Roar Rookie
Nah pom kaspovitz didn't edge the ball and thus we won that test really just didn't have the tech to prove umpire wrong more over If McGrath played we win series easily
Pierro
Roar Rookie
Haha the Tassie pitch is as close to an english pitch as youll get . Hopefully CA are not stupid enough to have another test there given the hatchet circus stunt pr cowardice McGowan is pulling over Perths test
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
How many players have averaged over 50 in the last 3 years in the Shield, how many are glovemen? Where does Carey bat in Shield?
Pom in exile
Roar Rookie
I don’t know what you mean. :happy:
Pierro
Roar Rookie
That's exactly what England would like a Tassie pitch
Pierro
Roar Rookie
Although starc at Adelaide pink ball can be dangerous and Gabba he has a fine record before last summer
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
We need people stretching the linen every which way but loose. You are more interesting for Pierro being on here. I do hope Clint comes back. And besides some of us love to thrash a point out
Pom in exile
Roar Rookie
Gifting them the series? Pretty sure they earned it but ok. :laughing:
Pom in exile
Roar Rookie
Give it to Tassie.
Pom in exile
Roar Rookie
You’re not wrong Pierro. Aussies seem to be coming together nicely, I’m just hoping that they resist picking Richardson as well and stick with Starc.