Taking eight catches on debut, a feat unmatched in Test cricket, Australian wicket-keeper Alex Carey has been lauded by his teammates.
Thrust into the team in the wake of Tim Paine’s indefinite break from cricket, Carey made a seamless transition into the Test team, blooded by international experience through the game’s white-ball formats.
"I guess playing a little bit of white-ball cricket for Australia helps that. Once the bowler is running in, I focus on the ball and that is the same with the bat. Obviously your first Test you've got a bit going through your mind.
"It didn't take me too long I guess to get into the rhythm. Probably a few overs and then we're playing cricket again. It was great fun."
Presented his Baggy Green cap by legend gloveman Adam Gilchrist, Carey looked the part as Australian Test player No. 461, also conceding just four byes across the two English innings.
While acquainted with much of Australia’s bowling attack, Carey showed keeping class supporting Nathan Lyon, in spite of the the pair playing little international cricket together.
"I think it's been an absolutely incredible debut," Lyon said.
“I've watched him train in the lead-up and his preparation has been world-class.
"He's coming down on the early bus with me to catch in the nets. To debut at the Gabba in an Ashes series, take eight catches, (we’re) pretty proud of him."
Pat Cummins, in his first Test as captain, continued with the praise.
"(I) thought he was tremendous.
"(I’m) not surprised, he's played a lot of international cricket and we knew he'd slot straight in and be high quality.
On top of his record haul in the field, Carey showed a willingness to take on the new ball, opening the batting in Australia's small chase in the injury absence of David Warner, who remains a doubt for Adelaide with bruising to the ribs.
"I felt confident to go out there and do the job. Unfortunately, I nicked one but we won the Test match. I'm pretty happy. I'll play any role for this team."
"Why disrupt number three, four and five?”
Carey travels to Adelaide to play in front of a home crowd for the day-night Ashes Test, with Australia looking to keep up their perfect start to the 2023 World Test Championship.
"I'm really excited to now head to Adelaide.
"We all know what the pink-ball Test means. It's a really good atmosphere in Adelaide. But growing up watching games there and to have my family there is going to be very exciting. And obviously, winning this Test puts us in a good place to hopefully start really well on Thursday."
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