Alex Carey. (Photo Source: ASIF HASSAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey has broken his silence regarding the contentious stumping of Jonny Bairstow during the Ashes at Lord’s. Carey says that Team Australia were aware of Bairstow’s habit of leaving his crease early and expressed surprise at the intense criticism their decision generated.
Following the incident, Australian players endured verbal abuse from spectators in the Lord’s Long Room, resulting in the suspension of three MCC members. Stuart Broad taunted Carey, telling him that he would be remembered solely for the stumping. In the game, Ben Stokes responded with an impressive 155-run innings, though Australia still clinched a 43-run victory in that match, extending their series lead to 2-0 which has now been reduced to 2-1 due to England’s win at Headingley.
Carey addressed the criticism, saying, “There’s some nasty stuff been said but…it is the Ashes. There was nasty stuff said before that as well. I feel really well supported. I think the whole group does.” Despite the backlash, Carey emphasized the unity within the Australian team and the support they receive, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
Explaining the stumping, Carey stated, “We were switched on to the fact that it was a bouncer plan, and it felt like Jonny was pretty switched on to getting out of the way, he wasn’t playing any shots. When he ducked, his first movement was pretty much out of his crease, so I instinctively grabbed the ball, threw the stumps down, and the rest is history.” Carey disclosed that he had attempted similar dismissals in the past without success.
Throughout the series, Carey’s exceptional glovework has garnered attention. With four previous stumpings off Nathan Lyon and saving crucial runs in matches against India in the World Test Championship final and at Edgbaston, he has been praised for his contributions. However, his batting struggled at Headingley, succumbing to Mark Wood and Chris Woakes.
Looking ahead, Carey expressed confidence in his team’s performance, particularly the bowlers. “Nathan Lyon was bowling beautifully before he got injured and creating lots of opportunities,” he remarked. “The quicks have bowled beautifully.”
Unpaid haircut, Cook apologizes: Memorable Ashes tour with standout performances
In an unexpected twist, Carey found himself at the center of a different controversy at Headingley when he was mistakenly associated with an unpaid haircut following Alastair Cook’s radio comments. However, Cook reached out and apologized to Carey, resolving the issue.
Ultimately, this Ashes tour will be memorable for Alex Carey, marked by his standout performances and the heated debate surrounding the stumping incident. As the series progresses, cricket fans eagerly anticipate the outcome of this captivating battle between two of the best teams.