Alex Carey says he and his fellow batsmen need to pull their weight after recent one-day struggles
NEW Australia vice-captain Alex Carey says it’s time for the team’s batsmen to pull their weight, starting with the three-match ODI series against South Africa.
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NEW Australia vice-captain Alex Carey says it’s time for the team’s batsmen to pull their weight, starting with the three-match ODI series against South Africa.
Australia are the most decorated team in one-day cricket, but they are in the midst of a crippling rut that has seen them lose 16 of their past 18 completed ODI games.
Batting collapses have been a key feature of the losing run, and the issue has also become a problem in the Test and T20 arena.
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Carey said it was time for the team’s batsmen to fire.
“We know how good the bowlers are,” Carey said.
“It is now time for our batters to stand up and chase what’s set, or put a good total on the board.
“We know that. We’re not shying away from that. We know we have to stand up in key moments.
“Chris Lynn said it really well - play fearless cricket, not reckless cricket.
“We know the power some guys have, but try to show that power more in the 45th, later in the game.
“We’ve had some really honest sessions. Hopefully that hard work will pay off over the next few days.”
Sunday’s series-opener at Perth Stadium comes amid a backdrop of off-field dramas.
Cricket Australia chairman David Peever quit this week in the wake of the damning review into Australian cricket, with the effects of the ball-tampering scandal still being heavily felt.
But Carey, who has played just three ODIs, said he hadn’t been affected by the dramas.
“I’m so excited to get out there and play an exciting brand of cricket and play with a big smile on my face,” he said.
“It’s not every day you get to represent your country.
“It’s a really exciting period, and hopefully the success comes. The guys are really confident.”
Originally published as Alex Carey says he and his fellow batsmen need to pull their weight after recent one-day struggles
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