CAREY IS NEW MAN WITH THE GLOVES
ALEX Carey was “speechless” when told he was Australia’s new Test wicketkeeper, but don’t expect him to remain quiet behind the stumps during the Ashes series.
Carey was on Thursday confirmed as Australia’s keeper for the first two Ashes Tests of the summer.
As expected, he was called into Australia’s 15-man squad as the replacement for ex-Test skipper Tim Paine.
“I am incredibly humbled by this opportunity,” said the 30year-old South Australian, who was preferred to Josh Inglis as the man to replace Paine with the gloves.
Carey struggled to remember the words chairman of selectors George Bailey used when telling him earlier this week he would make his Test debut in the first Test at the Gabba on Wednesday.
“I was pretty speechless and smiling from ear to ear,” Carey said. “I’ve got an incredibly close family, so Mum and Dad, to hear that news, were in tears straight away. I’ve got a really supportive wife, Eloise, who again was in tears. I’m really fortunate with the support I’ve got around me with my little close family and friends.”
Bailey said: “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.”
The experienced Carey is unlikely to be afraid to speak his mind or offer advice to Australia’s new Test skipper Pat Cummins and vice-captain Steve Smith.
“I’ll also offer what I can. Playing alongside a lot of these players in the past … I’ll feel comfortable enough to say what I see,” he said.