Test keeper-in-waiting Alex Carey says Tim Paine can go out on own terms after Ashes retention
He made the World Cup team of the tournament as keeper-batsman but Alex Carey says Tim Paine’s Ashes heroics as skipper deserves respect.
Cricket
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cricket. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Aussies need overworked quicks to bail them out again
- How to get the most out of your digital subscription
Selectors parked sentiment replacing Ian Healy with Adam Gilchirst as Test keeper two decades ago in Brisbane against Pakistan but Alex Carey isn’t sweating over a November handover.
Having won a place in the 2019 World Cup team of the tournament as keeper-batsman Carey, 28, is entering his prime. However, Australia is indebted to Tim Paine for transforming a Sandpaper-gate rabble into the unified machine that retained the Ashes on English soil.
Carey is ready if chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns comes calling but isn’t betting on a Test debut at the Gabba.
“For me it is keep improving with both formats and team selection normally takes care of itself,” Carey said.
Live stream the India v South Africa T20 Series with KAYO SPORTS on your TV or favourite device. Get your 14-day free trial >
“I am enjoying my cricket. The opportunities I have had in the white ball team have been amazing. Hopefully one day the dream comes true of playing Test cricket.”
Paine, 34, wants to continue a 25-Test career stymied by a right index finger held together with eight pins and plate.
Paine’s leadership has been inspirational while his keeping and batting — averaging 32 — have been solid.
“I think I am around the mark but Tim is going quite well with the bat, behind the stumps and retaining an Ashes,” said Carey of Paine whose digit was mashed by a Dirk Nannes bouncer in 2010.
“It would be hard to move a guy on from that.”
Cricket Australia contracted Carey is anointed to follow Paine despite overlooked for the Ashes where batsmen Cam Bancroft or Matt Wade could cover in a match or training emergency. Carey remained in England for the summer with Jason Gillespie’s Sussex.
“I am not sure of their plan with Tim. For me it is to keep getting better with the red ball. As Cracker (Hohns) said in England it was a tough decision with the Ashes squad and if there was time to get me to a Test — if required — they would.
“I have to stand up for South Australia. You have seen Travis Head do it and be rewarded with Test matches. I guess it is see what happens.”
Selectors refused 119-Test stalwart Healy, then 35, a farewell appearance against Pakistan at the Gabba in 1999 to belatedly unleash legend-in-waiting Gilchrist.
Gilchrist turned 28 in his debut Test summer while successor Brad Haddin was 31. Former GWS Giants skipper Carey enjoys the mental freshness and athleticism to be playing in his late 30s.
“I have come in to the game a bit later than others so at 28 I feel very young in the game,” said Carey.
“I want to play Test cricket, it’s every boy’s dream but when I play my best cricket it is go out and enjoy it and worry about what works for me.”
The World Cup worked for Carey where his tight technique and keeping won rave reviews. The new kid on the block, with just 29 starts for Australia, overshadowed India stalwart MS Dhoni and England’s Jos Buttler with 375 runs at 62.5, mopping up Australian collapses at No.7.
Carey posted the most World Cup runs by a No. 7 batsman while New Zealand keeper Tom Latham (21) pipped the Australian (20) for most dismissals.
“I had a really enjoyable summer in England and looking forward to getting stuck into the season,” said Carey who made half-centuries against India, New Zealand and South Africa.
Carey will push his Test claims in South Australia’s opening away Sheffield Shield games against champion Victoria and Queensland. Travis Head also has a point to prove.
Test vice-captain Head had the third most Test runs this year behind Steve Smith and Ben Stokes with 515 at 51.5 but was dropped instead of veteran Wade to accommodate all-rounder Mitch Marsh’s in The Oval series decider.
“Heady has played some good innings in his short Test career,” said Carey, who notched dual half-centuries in a one-off first-class match for Sussex last month. “Tim said it was a tough call to leave Heady out and I have no doubt he will have a massive summer. He will get back in that team and bounce back.”
Securing Australia’s No. 1 Twenty20 keeper-batsman berth from Peter Handscomb is next on the agenda. Australia hosts Sri Lanka from October 27 in Adelaide while another three-match T20 series against Pakistan follows.
Batting in the middle-order for Sussex where 264 runs flowed at a strike rate of 152 proved the perfect rehearsal for the T20 role Carey will target for Adelaide and Australia.
“The one-day team is a bit clearer and hopefully I can cement myself for the Twenty20 World Cup,” said Carey, who opened with Jake Weatherald in Adelaide’s 2017-18 BBL title.
“Batting down the order might unfold this year at the Strikers with Phil Salt signing as an opener. There is an opportunity for Australia to bat middle overs and keep.
“I have come back from England match-ready.”