‘It’s quite a big reaction externally’: Alex Carey not panicking after heavy loss in Perth, expects Mitch Marsh to play after overcoming injury scare

The knives have been out, but Alex Carey says the Australian team remains calm as they prepare to face another onslaught from Jasprit Bumrah under lights.

Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey says the “big reaction” from the public following their heavy loss to India in Perth hasn’t been shared by the playing group who have remained calm heading into Adelaide where all-rounder Mitch Marsh is expected to play.

Marsh bowled just 17 overs in the first Test and pulled up with more soreness than expected despite picking up three wickets.

He has since confirmed he expects to play in the pink-ball match starting on Friday, although there are suggestions he may not bowl and will play as a specialist batter.

If he can’t bowl then that will put more pressure on the quicks who are already dealing with the loss of Josh Hazlewood that should bring Scott Boland into the side.

Tasmania’s Beau Webster has been brought into the squad as cover and could make his Test debut at the Gabba given the short turnaround between matches.

Mitch Marsh is expected to play in the second Test in Adelaide, but it’s unclear whether he’ll be fit to bowl. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“I think we’ll assess that over today and tomorrow how his body is,” Carey said in Adelaide.

“I haven’t really seen him for a few days because he’s been home, but I think he’ll be right. I haven’t heard otherwise.

“His batting has been fantastic since he’s come back into this team, and his bowling (was good in Perth) where he picked up some handy wickets.

“Hopefully, he is right to go.”

The fallout from the humbling 295-run loss in Perth is still being felt with calls for changes to the top order, while others have questioned whether the side is ruthless enough.

Carey did his best to shoot down the fears ahead of the second Test where Australia will start warm favourites after they bowled India out for 36 in their last day/night clash in Adelaide four years ago.

“It’s quite a big reaction externally for one loss. Internally, we don’t feel that,” he said.

“We didn’t play the way that we wanted to play, but we know over four or five Test matches that if we keep rocking up and playing our style of cricket then we’ll have the success.

“We’ve had that success to call upon that the method does work. We’re calm internally and we’re excited to get back out and play a better style of cricket. We’ve got that opportunity on Friday.”

Australia’s batters need to find a way to handle Jasprit Bumrah after his success in Perth. Picture: Saeed Khan / AFP

Australia’s top order crumbled in Perth and will have no reprieve under lights when they face Jasprit Bumrah, who was named man of the match for his eight wickets.

His speed, bounce, angle and unique action troubled the hosts, with calls for Marnus Labuschagne and others to be more proactive against the gifted quick.

“He’s obviously a fantastic bowler and has been for a number of years,” Carey said.

“Our batters are world class as well and always find ways to come up with solutions. We’ve had a look at him now, so hopefully we can combat that first and second spell and get him bowling a little bit deeper in the innings with an older ball.

“We saw Travis (Head) have a bit of a counterpunch (in Perth), so I trust our batters to find a way not only (against) Bumrah but they played a couple of debutants who bowled well.”