Alex Carey targets triple centuries in Sheffield Shield clash against Queensland in bid to win Test slot from Tim Paine
What are the magical figures Alex Carey is eyeing in the Sheffield Shield clash against Queensland to snare a Test debut against Pakistan in the series opener in Brisbane?
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Alex Carey will target a third straight Sheffield Shield ton against Queensland in Brisbane as the gifted keeper-batsman keeps the pressure on Test skipper Tim Paine.
Carey has excelled since leaving for Australia’s 2019 World Cup campaign, making the team of the tournament with 375 runs at 62.5.
On return to South Australia from England Carey blazed an undefeated Marsh Cup 80 (52 balls) before posting a century (117) in the Shield opener against Victoria at St Kilda.
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Carey’s previous first-class knock for SA was a match-saving 110 against New South Wales in Sydney last December.
“It would be three (tons). I only played two Shield games last season, haven’t played too many four day games over the last 12 months,” Carey told The Advertiser
“I love Shield, four-day cricket for your state. I am enjoying jumping between formats and feel like I am improving. Batting at No.6 in the last game, moving up the list was good.
“It was nice to make some runs.”
Carey notes the significance of runs in Brisbane where he made his one-day debut for Australia and doubles as the first Test venue against Pakistan from November 21.
The Redbacks endured a Junction Oval road, stalemate and carping against Victoria where Carey, Tom Cooper (271 not out), Tom Andrews, Nic Maddinson, Will Pucovski, and Marcus Harris posted tons in a turgid draw. The Gabba deck won’t be as easy for batsmen.
“The Gabba is a great place to play cricket. There is normally a bit there for the quicks early and if you get yourself in the batters can enjoy some batting as well,” said Carey.
“The guys are really excited to get there coming off the Junction Oval. The scores might be a little bit different and more challenging. It should be a good game.”
If form or injury claims veteran custodian Paine, 34, Carey is ready to step up having progressed rapidly since his one-day debut against England at the Gabba in January last year.
“I am enjoying representing Australia in the white ball at the moment, play first class cricket whenever I can and try improve my game over the longer format,” said Carey.
“I have improved technically over the last 12 months.”
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Carey must make every post a winner to underline his Test credentials before switching focus to three-match, Twenty20 series starting this month against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
“Going back to four-day cricket you just have to be disciplined,” said Carey.
“It’s more the mental challenge than the technical.”
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Skipper Travis Head continues his push for a Test recall after consecutive half-centuries against Tasmania and Victoria.