Cricket World Cup 2019: Alex Carey in line for batting promotion and Ashes chance, Michael Slater says

Alex Carey was considered by some as a lucky inclusion in Australia’s 15-man World Cup squad. Now a batting promotion and a shot at the Ashes could be in store, Michael Slater says.

A batting promotion and a shot at the Ashes could be in store for Australia’s unsung hero Alex Carey, Michael Slater says.

A batting promotion and a shot at the Ashes could be in store for Australia’s unsung hero Alex Carey, who has sent a message to his doubters at the World Cup.

That is the view of former Australia opener Michael Slater who was impressed by Carey’s man of the match performance against New Zealand at Lord’s on Saturday night.

“He’s a talent. He really is a talent,” Slater said in commentary. “He’s my No.5 in this Australian outfit if they’re willing to do it.”

Live stream every match in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >

Carey was considered by some as a lucky inclusion in Australia’s 15-man World Cup squad, holding off a fast finishing Peter Handscomb who was fancied after the summer by the likes of Mitchell Johnson.

Despite the batting form of the latter - who averages 43.54 this year - selectors resisted Handscomb and went with Carey; a decision which is paying dividends.

The South Australian came to the crease against New Zealand with his side at 5-92, before resurrecting Australia’s innings alongside Usman Khawaja in a 107-run sixth-wicket stand. Carey scored 71 off 72 balls as the pair took Australia to a total of 243, which the Black Caps fell 86 runs short of.

Carey is now Australia’s third-highest scorer for the tournament with 244 runs at 61.00, which includes two half-centuries and three unbeaten knocks.

And he’s done it all from down the order at No.7; two spots down from where Slater believes he should be batting.

READ MORE

FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED: Aussies have a giant slayer, keeper comes of age

DEMOLITION JOB! Stunning Aussie fightback sinks WC title threat as Starc makes history

THUNDER-BOULT: Kiwi gun stuns Aussies to make hat-trick history

FROM ZERO TO HERO: Flying Kiwi sends Smith packing

Ahead of Carey in the order is Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell, who have both failed to make a big impression with the bat at the World Cup with 65 runs at 16.25 and 143 runs at 23.83 respectively.

Slater said Carey’s performances in English conditions will likely keep him there for the highly-anticipated Ashes series, which follows the World Cup in August.

“He’s got himself pencilled into that squad ... there’s no doubt about it, Slater said.

“Tim Paine will still be captain and he’ll still be running the show but Carey will be the second keeper.”

He added: “It’s the confidence he comes out with and I think he’s a real asset to this squad.”

Before the match, Steve Waugh paid the ultimate compliment to Carey by comparing him to two other Australian ODI legends.

“Another to impress has been Alex Carey who is a hybrid of Michael Hussey and Michael Bevan,” Waugh wrote in a column for the ICC.

Slater and Waugh aren’t the only Australian greats singing Carey’s praises - three-time World Cup winner Adam Gilchrist is a big fan, too.

“Match winner. [Carey is] so important to this team and so pleased the world is now seeing this,” he posted to social media after the match.

Match winner. @alex_carey617 so important to this team and so pleased the world is now seeing this. 👍 https://t.co/zuUEI9vmQ8

— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) June 30, 2019

What a World Cup performer Mitchell Starc is ! And Alex Carey has proved why he is rated very highly by Australian greats. India and Australia have been the best two sides by some distance #AusvNZ

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 29, 2019

Mitchell Starc close to unplayable at the moment. Pat Cummins 1/14 off 6 - scary good again. Crucial knock Usman Khawaja.

Alex Carey looking as good as anyone right now though. Must be a big chance to go up the order on form. The Australian revelation of the tournament. #CWC19

— Daniel Garb (@DanielGarb) June 29, 2019

Originally published as Cricket World Cup 2019: Alex Carey in line for batting promotion and Ashes chance, Michael Slater says