Sports - Cricket
Alex Carey backs basics after standout Test display
Alex Carey says trust in fundamentals powered his decisive wicketkeeping performance in Australia’s second Test win.
It is not often a player produces a defining performance without rehearsing the role, but that was the case for Alex Carey during Australia's second Test win.
Carey delivered a standout display behind the stumps, keeping up to Australia's fast bowlers despite admitting it is not something he specifically practises at training.
He had already produced a spectacular overhead catch in the first innings before playing a pivotal role in the second by helping remove England captain Ben Stokes, swinging the momentum firmly Australia's way.
Carey said limited space behind the nets made dedicated training sessions difficult, but he relied on fundamentals developed through his work standing up to spin, particularly to Nathan Lyon.
He explained that the principles remained the same, focusing on stance, balance and watching the ball closely, even though the pace demanded sharper reactions.
He added that conditions late in the match played a role, with the pink ball and a deteriorating surface creating extra bounce as cracks opened up.
Carey said adapting in the moment was crucial, trusting that strong basics would hold up under pressure.
Standing so close to fast bowlers carries obvious risk, but the 34-year-old said he rarely thought about the danger once the game began.
His focus stayed firmly on the ball, accepting that occasional blows were part of the job.
Carey was speaking while promoting Coopers Original Pale Ale's Old Mates Pub promotion, which is offering an all expenses-paid trip for two to New York.
The prize includes a visit to the Hugh Jackman owned Old Mates Pub, where winners will share a beer with an old friend.
Australians can enter by purchasing a Coopers beer and uploading a photo through the campaign website.
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