Australia has seized a formidable 2-0 lead in the Ashes series after a dominant performance at the Gabba in Brisbane, with wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivering what is being hailed as one of the finest glovework displays in living memory.
A Keeping Performance for the Ages
The pivotal moment arrived on the fourth day, with England's hopes resting on captain Ben Stokes. Facing the seam of Michael Neser, Stokes edged a delivery, and Alex Carey, standing up to the stumps, showed lightning reflexes to complete a breathtaking catch. This act of brilliance was the centrepiece of a masterclass that redefined modern wicketkeeping.
Former Australian gloveman Ian Healy was moved to compare the display to the legendary Don Tallon, while Brad Haddin declared on Triple M radio that "you’ll never see a better or braver keeping display." Captain Steve Smith's assessment was more succinct, simply labelling his teammate a "freak."
Redefining the Role of the Keeper
Carey's performance marks a significant evolution in the role of the Test wicketkeeper. Historically, the position was revolutionised by Rod Marsh, who in the 1977 Centenary Test at the MCG became the first Australian keeper to score a century against England, prioritising batting prowess. Adam Gilchrist later transformed it further with his destructive batting, albeit with occasional concessions behind the stumps.
Alex Carey, however, has combined technical excellence with bold innovation. His decision to stand up to the stumps for fast-medium pacers was a high-risk, game-changing tactic executed with flawless precision. Remarkably, Carey revealed he didn't practice it in the nets, deeming it "a little bit too dangerous," and relied purely on instinct.
His contribution wasn't limited to his gloves. Carey also scored a crucial 63 in the first innings, shepherding the tail and allowing Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland to bat during the most challenging period with the pink ball. He finished the match with seven catches, including a spectacular, running effort to dismiss Gus Atkinson.
From Scrutiny to Stardom
Carey's journey to this pinnacle hasn't been without pressure. When he replaced Tim Paine for the 2021 Ashes, lofty expectations were immediate. A couple of dropped catches in the Boxing Day Test that year led to scrutiny over his place. However, he silenced critics with an elegant maiden Test century against South Africa in 2022—ironically, the first by a keeper at the MCG since Marsh's 110 in 1977.
Comments from England's Stuart Broad, suggesting Carey would only be remembered for the controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow at Lord's, now seem a distant memory. With a batting average of 35—the second-highest for an Australian keeper after Gilchrist—and now a definitive, match-winning performance with the gloves, Carey has firmly established himself as the premier wicketkeeper in world cricket.
While he may not surpass Rod Marsh's pure keeping legacy, Alex Carey's Gabba masterclass has undoubtedly carved its own unique chapter in Ashes history, putting Australia in a commanding position to reclaim the urn.
