Test ‘keeper Alex Carey relishing his role as a specialst batter in Australia’s one-day side<\/p>\n
Alex Carey is happy to embrace his new role as a specialist batter in Australia’s ODI side saying he has no ambition to regain the wicketkeeping mantle off Josh Inglis.<\/p>\n
Carey was Australia’s 50-over ‘keeper for the best part of five years from 2018 until he was dropped one game into the 2023 World Cup in India.<\/p>\n
Since then it’s been Inglis who has been the first choice with the gloves, but Carey returned to the playing XI in England in September last year after Inglis suffered a quad complaint.<\/p>\n
Carey made the most of his reprieve with scores of 74 and 77no in his first two innings, earning him a spot in Australia’s Champions Trophy squad in February.<\/p>\n
It was there, with both he and Inglis available, that Carey flourished in his role as a non-keeper.<\/p>\n
He posted scores of 69 and 61 in Australia’s only batting innings and proved his worth as a competent outfielder too, highlighted by his screamer against England.<\/p>\n
Screamer! Carey’s cracking one-hander sends back Salt<\/p>\n
“I think it’s worked pretty well in the last six months,” Carey told reporters of his new gloveless role.<\/p>\n
“Any chance I get to play for Australia, I’m happy.<\/p>\n
“I don’t mind running around in the field and getting some Ks into the legs.<\/p>\n
“I was out of the team for a little while post-World Cup and to be able to get back in and play some cricket in the white-ball format, it’s been great. Happy to play whatever the role.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Selection chair George Bailey said prior to the series that the pecking order was clearly defined and that if both were selected it would be Carey to play as a “specialist batter”.<\/p>\n
But does the South Australia harbour any ambition to usurp Inglis as the preferred ODI keeper? “I guess you never say never,” Carey said.<\/p>\n
“We’re pretty clear at the moment on where that sits. Both of us are pretty happy with that.”<\/p>\n
Called into the T20 squad to cover for the ill Inglis in Darwin, Carey said the extra few days in the warmth of northern Australia has helped him get a jump on his ODI preparation.<\/p>\n
The unexpected call saw Carey picked for his first T20I in more than four years and the 33-year-old was delighted to return to the 20-over national set up.<\/p>\n
And the fire still burns for him in the shortest format with a T20 World Cup just around the corner.<\/p>\n
“It was great to reconnect with that group and who have been on fire,” Carey said of the T20 squad, who have won 10 of their past 11 matches.<\/p>\n
“I’ll always try to continue to get better at batting and be available and ready if that opportunity comes up through illness or injury or form.<\/p>\n
“If the chance comes, I’d love to put the hand up again.”<\/p>\n
BKT Tyres ODI Series – Australia v South Africa<\/p>\n
August 19: First ODI v South Africa, Cazalys Stadium, Cairns, 2:30pm AEST<\/a><\/p>\n August 22: Second ODI v South Africa, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 2:30pm AEST<\/a><\/p>\n