Australia has taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the Ashes series after a decisive victory at the Gabba in Brisbane, with wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivering a performance behind the stumps being hailed as one of the most extraordinary in the history of the contest.
A Keeping Masterclass for the Ages
The pivotal moment came in the second Ashes Test, where Alex Carey redefined modern wicketkeeping with a breathtaking display. His audacious decision to stand up to the stumps for seam bowlers, a tactic rarely seen with such flawless execution, changed the course of the game. The 34-year-old’s reflexes were on full display with a crucial catch to dismiss England’s dangerous Ben Stokes off the bowling of Michael Neser, a moment where Carey didn’t flinch as he snapped up the thick outside edge.
Remarkably, Carey revealed after the match that he did not practice this high-risk technique in training, citing the danger involved, and instead relied purely on instinct. His efforts yielded seven catches for the match, including a spectacular running catch to remove Gus Atkinson, cementing a complete performance.
Echoes of Australian Keeping Greats
Carey’s display drew immediate comparisons to the legendary custodians of Australia’s past. Former wicketkeeper Ian Healy suggested observers had to look back to the era of Don Tallon to find a parallel, while Brad Haddin called it the bravest and best keeping display he had ever witnessed. Australian captain Steve Smith summed it up succinctly, labelling Carey a "freak".
The performance underscored a significant evolution in the role. While Rod Marsh revolutionised selection by being picked for his batting in the 1970s, and Adam Gilchrist later transformed it with his destructive hitting, Carey has combined elements of both. His current Test batting average of 35 is the second-highest for an Australian keeper after Gilchrist, proving his immense value as a genuine all-rounder.
From Scrutiny to Stardom
Carey’s journey to this point has not been without pressure. When he replaced Tim Paine for the 2021 Ashes series, lofty expectations were immediate. A couple of dropped catches in the Boxing Day Test that year and early struggles batting with the tailenders placed his spot under scrutiny. However, he silenced critics with an elegant maiden Test century against South Africa in 2022, becoming the first keeper to score a ton at the MCG since Rod Marsh’s 110 in the 1977 Centenary Test.
This Gabba masterclass further distances his legacy from the controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow at Lord’s, a moment England’s Stuart Broad suggested would define him. Instead, Carey is now being celebrated as undoubtedly the finest wicketkeeper in world cricket today. His vital first-innings score of 63 in Brisbane also laid the platform for Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland to bat through a difficult period, showcasing his all-round importance to the Australian side.
With the Ashes series now firmly in Australia’s grasp at 2-0, Alex Carey’s Gabba heroics will be remembered not just as a match-winning contribution, but as a historic redefinition of excellence behind the stumps.
