Alex Carey revives memories of Rick McCosker in brave effort

Australia’s Alex Carey has put in one of the bravest batting performances of the World Cup, attempting to steer his side to safety after copping a savage bouncer which split him open.

Australia's Alex Carey, left, talks to teammate Adam Zampa during a drinks break after he was hit off the bowling of England's Jofra Archer during the Cricket World Cup semi-final match between England and Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham, England, Thursday, July 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

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Alex Carey has revived memories of Rick McCosker in the Centenary Test by batting through a jaw injury in Australia’s World Cup semi-final against England.

Carey was struck on the helmet on just the fifth ball he faced at Edgbaston on Thursday, copping the full force of a 139km/h bouncer from England quick Jofra Archer.

The hit left him requiring stitches, although Australian team officials have confirmed he has not suffered any structural damage and will be fit to keep wicket in the second innings.

Alex Carey receives medical treatment after being floored by a Jofra Archer bouncer. Picture; Getty

Incredibly, he also managed to safeguard his wicket after being hit when he caught his helmet after it flew off his head and dropped towards the stumps. Play was stopped for several minutes as he required treatment, before team medical staff twice returned to the field to assist the vice-captain. With Australia in early trouble after they fell to 3-14, Carey continued his innings with bushranger-style taping around his head.

The left-hander also continued to sport a blood-stained shirt as a result of the blow.

Rick McCosker batted with a broken jaw during the 1977 Centenary Test.

He was instrumental in a 103-run stand with Steve Smith for the fourth wicket, going to 46 before he holed out at deep midwicket off Adil Rishid.

Carey’s bandaging is reminiscent of what McCosker wore in the 1977 Centenary Test when he returned to the field with a broken jaw at the MCG.

On that occasion McCosker hit 25 batting at No.10 in Australia’s second innings to help set up the victory, after he was struck by Bob Willis on the opening day.

Originally published as Alex Carey revives memories of Rick McCosker in brave effort