Adelaide’s Alex Carey is targeting a ‘special’ innings to snap Strikers’ losing streak and impress IPL coach Ricky Ponting
Adelaide star Alex Carey can’t wait to play for Ricky Ponting’s Delhi Capitals in the IPL. And the best way to get his attention is a big performance against the Sydney Sixers on Wednesday.
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Alex Carey has 500,000 reasons to ‘hug’ Delhi Capitals boss Ricky Ponting at every opportunity and wants to shine up the Test legend’s shrewd investment before arriving in India.
Carey has combined captaincy and keeping duties for Adelaide Strikers while remaining in the BBL’s top-six run scorers with 234 at 39 this season.
Prowess against spin, calm at the crease, calculated stroke play and a ‘good cricket brain’ have already validated Ponting’s $500,000 IPL auction purchase, but Carey still feels indebted to the Capitals coach.
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“He is a Channel 7 commentator so every time he has a game I go up and give him a big hug. I can’t wait to get over there and work with him,” said Carey, who will play as a specialist batter for Delhi with Rishabh Pant keeping.
“He was a part of the World Cup as well, obviously a fantastic player and amazing coach too.”
However, Carey is prioritising a matchwinning knock against Sydney Sixers on Wednesday in Adelaide ahead of Australia’s three-match one-day tour of India.
Starts of 19 and 29 in Adelaide’s losses to Sydney Thunder and Sixers has Carey targeting a decisive knock that delivers a 4-2 win-loss ratio.
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“The last couple I have got in and got out. It would be nice to get us over the line,” said 2019 World Cup keeper of the tournament Carey.
“I still think I am hitting the ball really well.
“Our top order is still doing a good job, we just need one of those special innings to win us a game.”
Australia’s curiously timed one-day series against Virat Kohli’s side affords Carey priceless practice on the subcontinent leading into his maiden IPL season.
The emergence of Sixers keeper-batsman Josh Philippe provides added incentive to fire for Australian vice-captain Carey with a home World Twenty20 Cup looming in October.
“Really excited, and playing for Australia is a great moment to be part of and India is a good tour to be part of. We had some success there last series,” said Carey, who figured in Australia’s 3-2 series triumph last March in India.
“It’s exciting and the IPL is not too far away, so to get some experience is great.
“From there it hopefully be part of the one-day and Twenty20 set up with a World Cup less than 12 months away, that is always in the back of the mind.
“Hopefully the form continues and I can keep putting my hand up.”
Philippe’s unconquered 83 from 52 balls delivered victory against the Strikers in Coffs Harbour on Sunday, but Carey noted his men gifted the opener two reprieves.
“He is a really exciting talent coming through the Australian cricket system, you drop a guy twice and they normally hurt you and he did the other night,” said Carey of Philippe.
“The bowlers have been doing a fantastic job and once we put it together through that batting innings we will be fine.”
Originally published as Adelaide’s Alex Carey is targeting a ‘special’ innings to snap Strikers’ losing streak and impress IPL coach Ricky Ponting