Australian fast bowler Scott Boland has revealed the uncomfortable truth behind a crucial tactical ploy that helped his side secure the Ashes urn this summer, admitting that having wicketkeeper Alex Carey stand up to the stumps was a challenge to both his ego and his bowling length.
A Tactical Masterstroke to Counter England's Aggression
The strategy, which saw Carey take position unusually close to the wickets during Boland's spells and those of Michael Neser in the second Test, was designed to prevent England's batters from advancing down the pitch. This movement had been a central part of the tourists' pre-series plan to disrupt Australia's bowlers. The tactic proved highly effective, not only claiming vital wickets but also stopping England from imposing their aggressive will on a series they lost inside just 11 days.
Ahead of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Boland confessed the adjustment was not easy. "Because I’ve never really had it before, I just didn’t really feel comfortable with it," he said. "I know everyone wants to be a ‘fast’ bowler, and you don’t really like to see the keeper up to the stumps." However, he acknowledged its success: "I’ve seen over the last month how effective it is and how still I can keep their batter by Alex being up to the stumps."
Trust in Carey's Gloves Made it Possible
The unorthodox move was only feasible due to Alex Carey's exceptional skill as a wicketkeeper. Carey himself revealed after the Brisbane Test that he does not even practise the technique due to the danger involved, yet it became a secret weapon for Australia. Coach Andrew McDonald first floated the idea with Boland before the last Ashes series, but it took over two years to be fully implemented.
Boland explained that the close proximity of Carey initially affected his bowling. "In the past when I’ve had the keeper up at the back, I haven’t felt that comfortable and you end up bowling a little bit fuller," he stated. His trust in Carey's abilities allowed him to persist: "I’ve got full trust in Cares that if I hit my normal length and if the ball does go above the stumps, he’s got amazing hands."
On-Field Communication and Current Form
The decision on when to deploy the tactic was left to the bowler and keeper, with captain Pat Cummins and stand-in skipper Steve Smith granting them autonomy. "We’d speak every couple of overs... if he’s feeling that it’s better off being back, then I trust him," Boland said. "If he’s like, ‘nah, I want to come up, I think we can trap him on the crease’ then I’ll back his judgment."
Boland, now over a hip complaint, is in line to play at the MCG on Boxing Day. Meanwhile, Carey's contributions have extended beyond his innovative glovework; he has also shone with the bat, scoring 267 runs in the series, a tally second only to Travis Head's 379 for Australia.
