Wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey played a stirring, emotion-charged innings to rescue Australia from a precarious position and guide them to a commanding total of 326 for 8 at stumps on the opening day of the third Test against England at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday.
Carey's Tribute and Khawaja's Grit Anchor Australian Innings
The hosts found themselves in a spot of bother after lunch, having slipped to 94 for 4. However, Carey, alongside the returning Usman Khawaja, orchestrated a crucial 91-run partnership for the fifth wicket to steady the ship. Carey went on to compile a magnificent 106 runs off 143 balls, registering his third Test century. The moment was deeply personal for the South Australian, who immediately after reaching the milestone, looked skyward in a poignant tribute to his father, Gordon, who passed away in September after a long battle with cancer.
"You know the reasons why – I'm probably a bit emotional now," Carey said at the end of the day's play. "It was obviously a really good feeling to score a hundred on home soil... To be able to take the helmet off and look up to the heavens, it was a really nice moment." He also acknowledged the role of Khawaja, who was playing after missing the first two Tests due to a back spasm, saying, "I still think he’s got so much to give to this group. We saw him again today, and he played really well." Khawaja's inclusion was prompted by Steve Smith being ruled out of the match with a potential vestibular issue.
Controversial DRS Reprieve and Carey's Record Year
Carey's innings was not without a major slice of fortune. On 72, he survived a strong appeal for a catch behind off the bowling of Josh Tongue. While the English fielders celebrated, the on-field umpire's not-out decision stood even after a review. The snickometer showed a spike a few frames before the ball passed the bat, leading TV umpire Chris Gaffaney to conclude there was a clear gap. "I thought there was a bit of a feather or some sort of noise when it passed the bat," Carey admitted. "Snicko obviously didn’t line up, did it? That’s just the way cricket goes sometimes."
Despite wickets falling regularly at the other end, Carey remained resolute, bringing up his maiden Test century on home soil. In the process, he surpassed Steve Smith's tally to become Australia's leading Test run-scorer for the year with 618 runs, a total that places him sixth in the global rankings for 2023 in the longest format.
Australia in Driver's Seat After Day One
Carey's dismissal for 106 eventually triggered a lower-order collapse, but the damage had been done. Australia, from a shaky 94 for 4, managed to post a formidable first-day score of 326 for 8, putting them in a strong position in the Adelaide Test. The day belonged unequivocally to Alex Carey, whose innings blended technical skill with raw emotion, providing a memorable narrative on the cricket field and putting his team in the ascendancy against their arch-rivals.
