{"id":850763,"date":"2026-08-10T23:12:13","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T23:12:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/850763\/"},"modified":"2026-08-10T23:12:13","modified_gmt":"2026-08-10T23:12:13","slug":"aussie-keeper-alex-carey-coy-on-batting-order-ahead-of-first-test-against-bangladesh","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/850763\/","title":{"rendered":"Aussie keeper Alex Carey coy on batting order ahead of first Test against Bangladesh"},"content":{"rendered":"

Alex Carey has become an integral member of Australia\u2019s<\/a> batting line-up but even he is unsure where he\u2019ll slot in ahead of the first Test<\/a> against Bangladesh.<\/p>\n

The 34-year-old wicketkeeper has enjoyed a golden period at No.6 and No.7.<\/p>\n

Since the start of 2025 he has scored 799 runs at an average of 47, compared to his overall average of 35.89.<\/p>\n

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow<\/a><\/p>\n

His memorable run has featured a 156 against Sri Lanka in Galle and a match-winning double of 106 and 72 in Adelaide last summer against England.<\/p>\n

During that purple patch Carey averaged 80.75 at No.6 in six innings, showcasing that he can shine in that key position.<\/p>\n

The retirement of veteran batter Usman Khawaja has added to the intrigue about the order beyond Steve Smith at his customary No.4 ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh which starts on Thursday in Darwin.<\/p>\n

Australia is tipped to play two allrounders \u2014 Beau Webster and Cameron Green \u2014 although backup wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has previously played as a specialist run-maker.<\/p>\n

Throw in Carey, who is one of the first picked, and the order between No.5 and No.7 is set to change for the first of two Test matches.<\/p>\n

Asked whether he knew where he would bat, Carey on Monday was coy.<\/p>\n

\"AlexAlex Carey says he\u2019s not sure where he\u2019ll bat when Australia\u2019s series against Bangladesh begins. Credit: AAP<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet,\u201d Carey said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are three days out and we will find out some more information over the next three days. There are lots of options with two allrounders, Ingo, and myself.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will all occupy the middle (order). That is what I am comfortable in saying. It will be between five and seven.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of Webster, Green or Inglis will miss out.<\/p>\n

It is more of a mental approach than a technique change that has unlocked Carey\u2019s best as a batter.<\/p>\n

\u201cI keep it really simple,\u201d the left-hander said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI try and train a certain few words and get my body and mindset to a level of concentration and focus, and intensity as well, where I think I can play my best cricket<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you go back to your best, what does that look like? It probably takes a little while to get into Test cricket, play the way you want to play and be comfortable with however that looks … and put aside the judgment of others.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou get more experience in blocking out outside noise and working out a process that works best for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

As a wicketkeeper, Carey will be behind the stumps for up to 21 Tests in the next 12 months. Given he has to concentrate on every delivery while in the field, it will likely be the heaviest workload an Australian \u2018keeper has undertaken in Test history inside a year.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not looking too far ahead. It is a game where we play each ball on its merit and that is a contest in itself,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am really excited about the schedule. I love cricket. It has been a pretty long winter sitting around preparing for this game.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis group of players are really professional with the way they look after themselves, and are really experienced at getting themselves up for each Test match.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Aussie opener to unveil new technique for home Darwin Test<\/p>\n

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