Someone stands up in a crisis

Pat Cummins acknowledged Australia did not produce a comprehensive performance in Christchurch but said his side’s experience was a factor in a thrilling Test victory that could be pivotal to the nation when it tries to defend the World Test Championship title next year at The Oval.

“I think the story of this series was (that) in key moments, one guy stood up,” the skipper said.

“We didn’t necessarily play complete games but in those pivotal moments someone stood up and made themselves a matchwinner.

“We keep finding ways to win. It’s a pretty awesome sport.”

That one guy who stood on Monday was Alex Carey.

Under significant pressure after another soft dismissal in the opening innings in Christchurch, Carey responded in stunning fashion.

He is now guaranteed to start with the gloves when India tours next summer.

In a match when he also equalled Adam Gilchrist’s record for the most catches by an Australian in a Test, the South Australian eased doubts about his credentials under pressure with a superb knock.

His partnerships with Mitch Marsh and Pat Cummins were a feature.

The good form of Josh Inglis, who replaced him midway through the ODI World Cup last year and recently made a Sheffield Shield century for Western Australia, increased the pressure on Carey, whose average had dipped below 30 in Test matches.

Fox Cricket analyst Brendon Julian said Carey’s unbeaten 98 was the defining innings of his career. Carey’s sole century was against South Africa at the MCG in 2022.

“It was a great series, really, and I guess this game ebbed and flowed and (we had our) backs against a wall this morning,” Carey said.

“They came out last night and really put us under the pump, so it’s nice to chase those runs down.”