Cricket World Cup 2019: Alex Carey proving worth in lower order as Aussies build momentum

Many may not realise it but Alex Carey is having a World Cup for the ages. Australia’s glue when the fifth wicket falls, the wicketkeeper has been the rock in times of crisis.

Alex Carey has had an excellent time behind the stumps as well.

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Alex Carey’s importance to Australia’s World Cup charge has been made clear, with the wicketkeeper posting the best tournament by anyone batting at No.7 or lower in history.

Australia’s glue when the fifth wicket falls, Carey has hit two half-centuries in his debut tournament.

Alex Carey is approaching 250 runs at the World Cup.

His tally of 244 in a single World Cup is now the highest of any player batting outside the top six, topping Lance Klusener’s mark of 241 for South Africa in 1999.

Carey’s average of 61 is also the highest of any player in the tournament’s history who has been dismissed more than once while batting at No.7 or below.

While such a record does not sound significant, it has been vital in Australia’s run to the top of the World Cup ladder.

Carey has twice saved the Aussies from early trouble against West Indies and New Zealand.

Had he followed the top-order’s lead and failed in either of those matches it’s likely Australia would have been all out for under 200 and been beaten.

Most runs by a batsman outside top 6 in a World Cup

Alex Carey - 244 (Australia, 2019) Lance Klusner - 241 (South Africa, 1999) Moin Khan - 223 (Pakistan, 1999) Kevin Curran - 212 (Zimbabwe, 1983) Najibullah Zadran - 199 (Afghanistan, 2019)

What has pleased Australia most is the way he has adjusted to his innings.

While those knocks showed varying degrees of patience, his 25-ball half-century against India was the fastest by an Australian in a World Cup.

“I just enjoy coming in any time to bat,” Carey said.

“I’m loving batting at the moment. I’m trying to keep it really simple and having the opportunity to bat the last 10 overs, the field is out.

“Hopefully that’s the way we keep doing it.”

Alex Carey has had an excellent time behind the stumps as well.

Carey’s performances have seen the likes of Steve Waugh label him a hybrid of Michael Bevan and Mike Hussey, while others have called for him to move up the order.

The 27-year-old even opened for Australia during the home summer before that experiment was canned, and has also batted up the order for South Australia. Something former players like Adam Gilchrist could see paying off before the tournament, even if he did enter lean on international runs.

“He’s learning as he’s gone along. The more experience he’s gained at international level and what his role is,” Gilchrist said at the time.

“I think he’s a very capable guy if the team is under pressure. If the top order has failed he’s learned how to rebuild and structure an innings.”

Originally published as Cricket World Cup 2019: Alex Carey proving worth in lower order as Aussies build momentum