Sports - Cricket
Carey century blends emotion and authority in Adelaide
Alex Carey’s emotional century in Adelaide crowned a strong Test year while honouring his late father in front of family.
Alex Carey's century in Adelaide carried both sporting weight and personal meaning, anchoring Australia's opening day of the third Ashes Test while unfolding under the gaze of his family in the stands.
As Carey reached three figures, he removed his helmet and looked skyward, a moment that reflected more than the scoreboard.
His 106, scored at his home ground, came months after the death of his father Gordon, who passed away in September following a long battle with leukaemia.
Carey later acknowledged that emotion was close to the surface and said he did not want to explore it in depth.
He indicated the reasons were obvious, conceding that speaking about it risked overwhelming him. His father, he said, was at the front of his thoughts when he brought up his third Test century.
The milestone also carried broader significance. With the innings, Carey moved to the top of Australia's Test run-scoring list for the calendar year, compiling 671 runs, ahead of Steve Smith and Travis Head.
It underlined a season in which his contributions with the bat have matched his standing behind the stumps.
Carey's wife Eloise was visibly emotional in the grandstand as the century arrived, with his children, Louis and Clementine, among a large family contingent at Adelaide Oval.
Carey said the moment would have meant a great deal to them and noted that his family enjoys watching him play, especially on occasions like this.
Batting at No.6, Carey again reinforced his case for greater responsibility in the order. His highest Test score, 156 against Sri Lanka in Galle earlier this year, came at No.5, while a promotion in Brisbane during the second Ashes Test produced a valuable 63. Carey said his preparation and mindset remain unchanged regardless of position.
There was one tense moment on 72 when England appealed for a catch behind off Josh Tongue. The decision stayed not out after review, with replays showing a noise before the ball passed the bat.
Carey accepted there was some fortune involved, describing it as part of cricket's unpredictable nature.
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