Cricket

Alex Carey, Australia's incumbent wicketkeeper, is entering the Test series against India as a rejuvenated force. Despite the presence of Josh Inglis in the squad, Carey remains unfazed and confident in his abilities.After a six-month break from cricket, Carey has returned with a vengeance. He has posted impressive scores in both ODIs and Shield matches, showcasing his exceptional form with both bat and gloves. Carey attributes his resurgence to a minor technical tweak in his batting stance, which has improved his decision-making and overall performance.While Inglis's inclusion in the squad could potentially threaten Carey's position, the veteran wicketkeeper remains pragmatic. He understands the competitive nature of the role and is focused on performing to the best of his abilities. Carey's long-time teammate, Travis Head, believes he has never seen him bat better, highlighting his current form and potential impact on the team.Carey's relaxed demeanor and impressive performances have made him a key player for Australia. His ability to contribute with both bat and gloves makes him a valuable asset to the team. As the Test series against India approaches, Carey is poised to play a significant role in Australia's quest for victory.

South Australia's One-Day Cup campaign has taken off with a resounding six-wicket victory over New South Wales at the Adelaide Oval. The win propelled SA to the top of the table, while NSW suffered their first defeat of the season.SA's triumph was built on a dominant bowling performance that restricted NSW to a modest 197. Former NSW quick Harry Conway led the charge with 3 for 27, while Jason Sangha claimed 2 for 16. Liam Scott also chipped in with two wickets.NSW's batting was led by Matthew Gilkes and captain Jack Edwards, who both scored 35. However, the visitors struggled to build partnerships and were eventually bowled out in the 46th over.In reply, SA lost early wickets but Alex Carey steadied the ship with a superb 75 off 63 balls. Jake Lehmann (46 not out) and Scott (42 not out) then guided SA to victory with an unbroken 89-run stand.Carey's innings continued his impressive start to the season, while Scott's all-round performance earned him the player-of-the-match award.The result was a significant boost for SA, who are also second in the Sheffield Shield standings. The teams will now turn their attention to their Shield match, which begins at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday.

South Australia's Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey has continued his impressive form with an unbeaten century against Queensland in the Sheffield Shield clash at Allan Border Field. Carey's 123 not out from 163 deliveries has put South Australia in a commanding position, leading by 358 runs with a declaration likely overnight.Carey, who is averaging 122 across four knocks this summer, has sent a strong message to the Indian team ahead of the upcoming Test series. Unfazed by the second new ball, Carey notched his second century of the summer by blasting paceman Mark Steketee for three consecutive boundaries in the final hour of play on Tuesday.Earlier, Carey brought up his half-century pulling Tom Whitney's short ball to the boundary. Whitney, who took five wickets in the first innings, backed up his performance with three key scalps early on day three before a minor heel injury prevented him from bowling further.South Australian skipper Nathan McSweeney also continued his excellent form, making 72 to push his case for a Test call-up. McSweeney's innings ended when he was caught at first slip by Usman Khawaja off Mitchell Swepson.In the spotlight since his omission from the Australia A squad, Test hopeful Matt Renshaw grabbed a headline moment late on day three with a brilliant catch at mid-wicket to dismiss Jake Lehmann from Marnus Labuschagne's part-time leg-spin. Labuschagne also took a catch above his head to send Liam Scott packing.With Carey and Jordan Buckingham unbeaten at the crease, South Australia is poised to declare overnight and set Queensland a challenging target.

Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey has sent a resounding message to the Indian team ahead of their upcoming tour of Australia, delivering a magnificent century in South Australia's Sheffield Shield draw against New South Wales.Carey's second-innings knock of 111 from 158 deliveries was a crucial contribution, helping South Australia recover from a precarious position of 23 for 4. The innings marked his most successful start to a Sheffield Shield season since his Test debut in 2021.Carey's efforts came after he finished last summer with an unbeaten 98 against New Zealand, providing reassurance for an Australian side that will be without Cameron Green for at least part of the summer due to a back injury.On Friday, Carey steadied the ship after Test teammate Nathan Lyon sparked a collapse of 4 for 9 as the visitors chased 389 for victory. Lyon dismissed Travis Head, Nathan McAndrew, and Conor McInerney in quick succession, leaving South Australia in dire straits.Carey's arrival at the crease proved pivotal, as he forged a 182-run partnership with captain Nathan McSweeney, who also notched up a brilliant century. Carey's half-century came off a sweep shot past deep midwicket, guiding South Australia into triple figures.Just after lunch, Carey brought up his seventh first-class century with a single to deep cover. He was eventually dismissed for 111, caught at deep leg slip off Tanveer Sangha.Carey's ton was a fitting response to rival gloveman Josh Inglis, who had hit a century for Western Australia earlier this week. McSweeney continued to impress, facing 283 balls throughout the final day and putting South Australia in a strong position.Lyon's early heroics could not be repeated, as Moises Henriques handed the ball to Nic Maddinson late on, acknowledging that a result was unlikely.Carey's performance is a timely reminder of his quality and will be a boost for Australia as they prepare for the Indian tour. With Green's absence, Carey's experience and form will be invaluable to the team.

Alex Carey's blistering 90 has given South Australia a glimmer of hope in their Sheffield Shield clash against New South Wales, but Nathan Lyon's late burst has put the Blues firmly in control.Carey, who has been in impressive form for Australia in white-ball cricket, carried his momentum into the red-ball arena, smashing 90 from just 85 balls. His innings was a counter-attacking masterclass, peppered with four sixes and numerous boundaries.After arriving at the crease with South Australia in trouble at 87 for 3, Carey took the game by the scruff of the neck. He targeted Tanveer Sangha, who had earlier dismissed Travis Head, and hit him for a series of boundaries.Carey's knock came after Head had also hit two sixes in his 30, but the left-hander was dismissed by Sangha when he was drawn into an edge outside off stump.Undeterred, Carey continued to attack, hitting back-to-back boundaries off Jack Nisbet and slog-sweeping Lyon for another six. He also reverse-swept and drove Sangha to the boundary, showing his full range of strokes.However, Carey's aggression ultimately proved his undoing, as he was caught in the deep trying to take on Lyon. His dismissal triggered a collapse of 4 for 5, with Lyon taking three wickets in 14 balls to finish with 3 for 45.Lyon's wickets included Daniel Drew, who was caught-and-bowled for a duck, and Ben Manenti, who was bowled by a ball that spun out of the rough. Captain Nathan McSweeney was also run out on 55, adding to South Australia's woes."I've been itching to get back playing. It's what I love doing," Lyon said. "I feel like I've been training the house down and in a really good headspace."South Australia will need to bat with more resilience on day three if they are to avoid a heavy defeat. The Blues, on the other hand, will be confident of wrapping up the match quickly and securing their first win of the season.

Alex Carey's impressive return to Australia's ODI side has sparked a selection headache for the team ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. With incumbent wicketkeeper Josh Inglis still sidelined by a quad injury, Carey has seized his opportunity with two consecutive half-centuries.Coach and selector Andrew McDonald acknowledged the dilemma, stating that it's a "good problem to have" when players are competing for spots. He hinted at the possibility of both Carey and Inglis playing in the same team, as they have done in the past.However, McDonald also suggested that Australia could opt for an extra allrounder to bolster their batting depth. Aaron Hardie has impressed with his recent performances, including a crucial 44 off 26 balls in the third ODI.Hardie's versatility as a bowler and hitter adds to Australia's options. He can provide support with the new ball and has showcased his death-hitting prowess. McDonald confirmed that the team has been considering playing an allrounder at No. 8, a strategy they experimented with before the last World Cup.Despite the allrounder options, McDonald emphasized that Australia's attack can lack potency without Adam Zampa. The leg-spinner's absence in the third ODI was evident as England's batters took advantage. McDonald expressed hope that both Zampa and Travis Head will be available for the remaining two ODIs.In summary, Alex Carey's resurgence has created a selection conundrum for Australia. The team must decide whether to prioritize a specialist wicketkeeper or an extra allrounder. The availability of key players like Josh Inglis, Adam Zampa, and Aaron Hardie will influence the final decision.

Australia's dominance in the ongoing ODI series against England continued as they secured a comprehensive 68-run victory in the second match at Headingley. The world champions, despite facing a precarious situation at 221-9, were propelled to a competitive total of 270 all out thanks to a valiant 74 from wicketkeeper Alex Carey.Carey's blistering knock, which included eight boundaries and three towering sixes, formed a crucial 49-run partnership with Josh Hazlewood for the last wicket. This proved to be the difference as England's inexperienced batting lineup crumbled under pressure, dismissed for a mere 202 with nearly 10 overs remaining.The Australian bowling attack, led by Mitchell Starc and Hazlewood, played a pivotal role in England's downfall. Starc, returning from illness, struck early, removing Will Jacks for a golden duck and trapping England captain Harry Brook lbw for just four. Hazlewood also made an impact, dismissing opener Phil Salt and Jamie Smith, who top-scored for England with 49.Paceman Aaron Hardie further dented England's hopes, claiming two wickets in two balls to leave the hosts reeling at 65-5. Ben Duckett and Liam Livingstone both fell victim to Hardie's variations, while Carey's diving catch sent Livingstone back to the pavilion for another golden duck.Earlier, Australia's top order struggled to make significant contributions, with Mitchell Marsh (60) being the only batsman to surpass 29. However, Carey's heroics ensured that Australia posted a challenging target.The series now moves to Chester-le-Street for the third ODI on Tuesday, with Australia aiming to extend their winning streak and England desperate to salvage some pride.

Pat Cummins' pivotal role in the controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow at Lord's, which ignited the 2023 Ashes series, has been revealed in the upcoming documentary series "The Test." The incident, which occurred on the fourth day of the second Test, sparked intense controversy and abuse directed at the Australian team.Cummins, the Australian captain, admitted that he instructed wicketkeeper Alex Carey to throw at the stumps after Bairstow stepped out of his crease. Carey's accurate throw resulted in Bairstow's dismissal, leading to a heated confrontation between the two teams.The documentary reveals the extent of the abuse faced by the Australians, with MCC members in the Long Room verbally attacking them and even physically assaulting David Warner. Carey, in particular, became a target of significant online and social media abuse, prompting the involvement of Australia's cybersecurity police.The incident had a profound impact on Carey's well-being, with his form declining and his place in the ODI side being lost. Teammates expressed concern for his mental health, acknowledging that the abuse he endured was disproportionate and unfair.Despite the controversy, Cummins maintained that the dismissal was legitimate. "It was clear-cut, it was out," he stated. However, the incident highlighted the intense rivalry between England and Australia and the pressure-cooker atmosphere of Ashes cricket.The documentary also delves into Australia's subsequent collapse at Headingley, where they squandered a commanding position. Marnus Labuschagne admitted that his reckless slog sweep against Moeen Ali was a turning point in the match.In the final Test at The Oval, Australia's hopes were raised by a century opening stand between Usman Khawaja and David Warner. However, a ball change by the umpires, which the Australians believed was significantly harder and shinier, halted their momentum.Despite a valiant effort by Steve Smith and Travis Head, England's bowlers ultimately prevailed, securing a series victory. The Australians acknowledged that they could have adapted better to the changed ball conditions but expressed disappointment at the missed opportunity.Overall, the documentary provides an intimate look at the highs and lows of the 2023 Ashes series, highlighting the intense rivalry, controversies, and personal challenges faced by the players.

Alex Carey's heroics in the second Test against New Zealand have etched his name alongside legendary wicketkeeper-batters Adam Gilchrist and Rishabh Pant. Carey's unbeaten 98 guided Australia to a thrilling three-wicket victory, securing a 2-0 series sweep.Carey's innings was a masterclass in resilience and composure. With Australia reeling at 80/5, he steadied the ship, forging a crucial partnership with skipper Pat Cummins. His 123-ball knock featured 15 boundaries, showcasing his exceptional strokeplay.Carey's performance was not limited to his batting. He also equaled Gilchrist's record for most dismissals in a Test match for Australia, with 10 catches and a stumping. This all-round brilliance earned him the 'Player of the Match' award.Carey's achievement is particularly significant considering the elite company he joins. Gilchrist, known for his explosive batting, holds the record for the highest score by a wicketkeeper in a successful run-chase, with his 149* against Pakistan in 1999. Pant, India's dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, is third on the list with his 89* against Australia in 2021.Carey's heroics have not only cemented his place in Australian cricket history but also highlighted the growing importance of wicketkeeper-batters in the modern game. Their ability to contribute significantly with both bat and gloves makes them invaluable assets to any team.