Alex Carey Shines with Dual Fifties in Ashes Test Against England

In a remarkable display of skill, Alex Carey has become the fourth wicketkeeper-batter to score fifty-plus runs in both innings of an Ashes Test. Achieving this during the third Test against England, Carey not only secured his first Ashes century but also contributed significantly to Australia's lead. With impressive statistics this year, including two centuries and four fifties, Carey continues to be a vital player for Australia. As the match progresses, the potential for further milestones looms large, making this Ashes series one to watch closely.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 20:18 IST

Carey's Remarkable Achievement in the Ashes

Adelaide [Australia], December 19: Australian cricketer Alex Carey has made history by becoming only the fourth wicketkeeper-batter, and the third from Australia, to score fifty or more runs in both innings of an Ashes Test match.

This impressive feat was accomplished during the third Ashes Test against England at the Adelaide Oval on Friday. Carey first scored a remarkable 106 runs off 143 balls, featuring eight boundaries and a six, marking his inaugural Ashes century. He followed this up with an unbeaten 52 runs from 91 balls, including four boundaries, as Australia concluded day three of the match. With two days remaining, the prospect of him achieving another century seems plausible as Australia aims to dominate England.

The list of wicketkeeper-batters who have scored fifty-plus runs in both innings of an Ashes Test includes England's Alan Knott (92 and 63 at The Oval in 1972), Ian Healy (74 and 51* at Adelaide in 1995), and Brad Haddin (94 and 53 at Brisbane in 2013), with Carey now joining their ranks.

In 2023, Carey has displayed exceptional form across 10 Tests, amassing 723 runs in 15 innings at an impressive average of 55.61, along with a strike rate of 77.57, which includes two centuries and four fifties. He has been instrumental in several crucial innings for Australia over the past couple of years.

Currently, Carey stands as the second-highest run-scorer in the ongoing Ashes series, having accumulated 247 runs in three innings at an average of 82.33, featuring one century and two fifties.

In the match, Australia won the toss and chose to bat first. After a challenging start at 94/4 due to some outstanding bowling from Jofra Archer, a vital 91-run partnership between Usman Khawaja (82 runs off 126 balls, with 10 fours) and Alex Carey helped stabilize the innings. Carey’s first Ashes century came as he scored 106 runs off 143 balls, supported by Mitchell Starc, who contributed 54 runs off 75 balls, leading Australia to a total of 371 runs.

Archer was exceptional for England, taking 5 wickets for 53 runs, while Brydon Carse and Tongue each claimed two wickets.

Later, England found themselves at 168/8 in their first innings, with Ben Stokes (83 runs off 198 balls, including eight fours) and Jofra Archer (51 runs off 105 balls, with five fours and a six) forming a century partnership, ultimately ending their innings at 286 all out, trailing by 85 runs.

As the day concluded, Australia stood at 271/4, with Travis Head (142*) and Alex Carey (52* off 91 balls, with four boundaries) forming a century partnership, giving Australia a substantial lead of 356 runs.