Alex Carey will make his Test debut in the opening Ashes Test in Brisbane, confirmed Cricket Australia. The 30-year-old has been added to the 15-member squad for the first two Ashes Tests after former skipper Tim Paine stepped down.
“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 to the team. He will be a very deserving holder of baggy green cap number 461,” said Australia chief selector, George Bailey.
Last month, Paine had stepped down from his role as a Test captain in the wake of the sexting scandal. A week later decided to take an indefinite break from all forms of cricket. Therefore, Alex Carey has been added to the squad. Pat Cummins will captain the Australia test team, while Steve Smith will be his deputy.
‘My focus is on helping Australia secure the Ashes’: Alex Carey
Carey has played 45 one-day internationals and 38 T20Is for Australia. The 30-year-old was picked ahead of youngster Josh Inglis. Carey hasn’t played domestic games in the recent past. Although, in the Sheffield Shield this season, Alex Carey has played five matches for South Australia, scoring only 153 runs in eight innings, averaging 21.85. However, in the recent Marsh one-day Cup game against Queensland, he scored a terrific hundred and looked in great touch.
“I am incredibly humbled by this opportunity. 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. This is also for my dad who has been my coach, mentor, and mate. My mum, my wife Eloise, kids Louis and Clementine, my brother and sister. And all of those who have supported me. I will be doing my absolute best to make them and our country proud,” said Carey.
Australia squad for the first two tests
Pat Cummins (captain)
Steve Smith (vice-captain)
Alex Carey
Cameron Green
Marcus Harris
Josh Hazlewood
Travis Head
Usman Khawaja
Marnus Labuschagne
Nathan Lyon
Michael Neser
Jhye Richardson
Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Swepson
David Warner.
