ADELAIDE: Alex Carey admits Marnus Labuschagne ‘has a case’ to be titled the world’s best fielder after his screamer to remove Ollie Pope.
Pope had moved to 17 during England’s chase before he edged Pat Cummins to the cordon. Labuschagne dived low to his left and snared one of the great catches.
Immediately the effort was compared to Steve Smith’s at the Gabba when Will Jacks edged off Michael Neser.
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Smith also dived low to his left but in fairness, was fielding much closer to the bat with Carey up to the stumps.
Steve Smith after his catch. Getty
That point was not lost on the keeper.
“That’s another talking point at tea when Steve was sitting down there,” he said.
“I think Steve had a split second less time, both very good catches.”
While it’s contentious whether it pipped Smith’s for the best, the other title Labuschagne may be chasing is best fielder in the world.
Marnus Labuschagne’s catch and reaction. Â Fox Cricket
Carey sheepishly laughed and said “don’t tell him” when directly asked if he had claim to the crown.
“He’s pretty good. Hopefully he doesn’t watch the presser,” he laughed.
“He’s fantastic, I think for Marnus as well when he had his time out of the team you can really notice how much energy he does bring to this group. He was fantastic when he was on the sidelines, he was always working hard, for him to come back in and score the runs last week and over in Perth, he was fantastic.
“He also does bring so much when he gets on the field and plays for Australia.
“He’s a highly skilled player but he brings a lot more than just the skill. He would have a case to argue as one of the best fielders.”