Alex Carey Silences Critics with Ashes Masterclass Behind the Stumps
Wicketkeepers often don’t get the recognition they deserve, their crucial contributions frequently overshadowed by batting and bowling heroics. But that wasn’t the case for Alex Carey at the Gabba this week, where his exceptional glovework played a pivotal role in Australia securing a 2-0 lead in the 2025/26 Ashes series. Despite standout performances from Mitchell Starc, Joe Root, and Michael Neser, Carey was widely lauded for his skill and bravery behind the stumps.
A Defining Week for the Australian Gloveman
Carey’s week extended beyond exceptional keeping; he also led the Australian team in a rendition of ‘Under the Southern Cross I Stand’ on Sunday evening, capping off a near-perfect week for Steve Smith’s men. Rewinding to the start of the Test, Carey delivered a wicketkeeping masterclass on day one, highlighted by a spectacular, lunging catch to dismiss England’s Gus Atkinson. The 34-year-old sprinted 20 metres, discarding his baggy green in the process, to complete a diving catch after a top edge threatened to sail into the Brisbane skyline.
The catch was made even more challenging by an accidental collision with teammate Marnus Labuschagne, who was rushing in from the slips cordon. Carey’s background in Australian rules football undoubtedly aided his athleticism and spatial awareness in the crucial moment.
Upping the Ante with Strategic Keeping
Throughout the Gabba Test, Carey consistently kept up to the stumps to seamers Scott Boland and Michael Neser, effectively restricting England’s batters and increasing the likelihood of LBW dismissals. A key moment came on day four when he expertly took the edge off rival captain Ben Stokes, a dismissal that effectively sealed the victory for Australia. While a couple of close calls denied him a stumping of the dangerous Harry Brook during the first innings, his aggressive positioning consistently put pressure on the English batting lineup.
This tactic also contributed to the dismissals of Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope on day three, as both batters were caught off guard while attempting return catches to Neser.
Praise from Legends of the Game
Speaking to Fox Cricket at the Gabba, Australian legend Adam Gilchrist praised Carey’s “courage and conviction” throughout the second Test. “Making the judgement to go up to the stumps in conditions out here is all about dragging those batters back into their crease, changing their game plan,” Gilchrist explained. “What’s challenging is when the batter starts moving around in front of you in unconventional ways, and that turned out to be the case in the first innings where Brook tried that ramp. It’s just great to see him getting the rewards of all the work that he’s put in … it’s a joy to watch.”
Former Australian gloveman Brad Haddin echoed this sentiment, stating on Triple M, “I have not seen a better keeping display or a braver keeping display.” Former England captain Michael Vaughan added on Fox Cricket, “He’s given a masterclass on how to keep. Carey is one of those cricketers I would love in my team.”
Smith Calls Carey a “Freak”
Australian stand-in captain Steve Smith was effusive in his praise, calling Carey a “freak” during the post-match press conference. “That performance behind the stumps was something else,” Smith said. “Neser was getting the ball up around 138km/h at times, he just gets in behind it. He finds a way to just get the ball in his hands. It hits the batter’s pads, and it ends up in his hands somehow. He works exceptionally hard. He’s as fit as anyone. He just turns up day in, day out, rarely makes a mistake and pulls off unbelievable catches. When I was at slip, when he was up to the stumps, I was so wide just because of how much he covers, he just gets his hands out there. It’s like he knows they’re going to nick it almost at times. That keeping performance was as good as I’ve seen.”
A Valuable All-Round Contribution
Carey’s impact wasn’t limited to his keeping. He contributed a crucial 63 runs in the first innings, surviving a challenging twilight session on day two and forging a 54-run partnership with Neser for the seventh wicket. This gritty knock allowed Mitchell Starc and Boland to add a further 75 runs the following afternoon, frustrating England’s fatigued bowlers. Despite being dropped on 0 and 25, Carey capitalized on his opportunities, ensuring Australia secured a significant first-innings lead.
Since the start of last year, Carey has averaged 40.20 in Tests, second only to Smith’s 42.61 among Australian batters. With a career batting average of 34.98, he ranks second among Australian Test wicketkeepers behind Gilchrist, and continues to improve with each appearance. “The more you play at a higher level, the more you’re going to improve, and I think he’s showing that,” Gilchrist added. “He’s such a hard worker.”
The World’s Best?
Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy unequivocally declared Carey “clearly” the world’s best gloveman, praising his bravery throughout the Gabba Test. “To have such long periods (standing up) to fast bowling on a pitch that looks as if something might happen – but didn’t a whole lot of times – clearly cements him as the best,” Healy stated. “He hardly misgloved any of them. I think he’s clearly the best in the world, probably even before this (Test).”
Highest Test batting average among Australian wicketkeepers
47.60 – Adam Gilchrist
34.98 – Alex Carey
32.98 – Brad Haddin
32.63 – Tim Paine
29.12 – Wayne Phillips
Competition from Within
Despite his stellar performance, Carey faces competition from reserve wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, who has already taken over Carey’s role in the ODI team. While debate existed eighteen months ago regarding Inglis’ potential as the first-choice Test gloveman, Carey’s match-saving performance in Christchurch last year, and his subsequent form, have solidified his position. Inglis made a century in his debut Test knock in Sri Lanka, but responded with a sparkling 156 against a duck for Inglis in the second Test, earning man-of-the-match honors.
“The guy’s a match-winner,” former Australian spinner Kerry O’Keeffe said on Fox Sports News. “Because he has such an underrated personality, Carey slips under the radar. He tilts games Australia’s way when he comes in (to bat). He’s keeping brilliantly.”
Outshining the Opposition
Carey is comfortably outperforming his England counterpart, Jamie Smith, who has had a difficult start to the Ashes campaign. Former Test spinner Phil Tufnell noted on BBC Test Match Special, “Carey is very much improved. We were asked to pick our combined side, and I was edging towards Jamie Smith, but Carey has blown past him.” Former England captain Michael Atherton continued on Sky Sports, “Carey was absolutely fantastic behind the stumps. He was the beating heart of a brilliant performance in the field.”
The third Ashes Test between Australia and England gets underway at Adelaide Oval, Carey’s home ground, on December 17.
