Colin Ingram will captain Adelaide Strikers with Alex Carey deputy in Travis Head’s absence.

WHY Adelaide Strikers coach Jason Gillespie says appointing Colin Ingram captain is a blessing in disguise for Australian limited overs vice-captain Alex Carey.

Alex Carey hits out in Adelaide Strikers’ BBL grand final win against Hobart Hurricanes at Adelaide Oval. Alex Carey. Picture Sarah Reed

Adelaide Strikers coach Jason Gillespie says appointing Colin Ingram captain is a blessing in disguise for Australian limited overs vice-captain Alex Carey.

Former South African batsman and Glamorgan skipper Ingram will steer Adelaide for the majority of its BBL title defence with Travis Head on international duty.

Gillespie noted Carey, 27, was just one Tim Paine injury away from a Test debut while the keeper-batsman will miss at least two Strikers games on Australian one-day duty in January.

“It has been a pretty fast rise through the ranks for Kez and we saw the other night he is only a busted finger away from keeping for Australia so we are very conscious of that,” Test legend Gillespie told The Advertiser.

“He is a bit of a leader without having the C next to his name. We are mindful that if Alex goes away with Australia and Trav is away with Australia and they come back we have three captains in the one the season. We just want to keep it consistent.”

Carey finished second on the BBL 07 run tally with 443 at 49.2. Gillespie says juggling international commitments, keeping and opening was an unnecessary burden with top shelf leader Ingram available.

“Alex has plenty of time. When he is playing for the Strikers we just want him to focus on his batting and keeping and have those leadership qualities,” said Gillespie of Carey, appointed Australian T20 deputy to Aaron finch in May after six limited overs internationals.

“We just want to let him enjoy the Big Bash without the added responsibility and think he will take in his stride. “

Gillespie conceded the Strikers hierarchy consisting of assistants Joe Dawes, Michael Di Venuto and high performance manager Tim Nielsen had debated the captaincy decision before reaching a logical conclusion.

“I will admit it is something we have had a bit of a discussion over. Colin, to be fair to him, said he wouldn’t mind stepping aside to allow Alex to do the job,” said Gillespie ahead of Adelaide’s season opener against Brisbane Heat on Wednesday.

“We thought about it but it is a lot of change in a short space of time.”

It took one stirring address from Ingram when the side assembled for a trial game in the Barossa Valley on Sunday to validate Gillespie’s decision.

“It was one of the most impressive speeches from a captain that I have heard in cricket,” said Gillespie, who has added Matt Short and allrounder Cam Valente to his inaugural Strikers title unit.

Head last month penned a four-year contract Strikers extension and Gillespie credited his ongoing contribution despite Test commitments.

“He is messaging me before he gets to the ground in Tests asking how our training is going, is the leader of the franchise, we know he will be watching,” said Gillespie.