Alex Carey Eyes Historic Milestone Ahead of Boxing Day Test
Anticipation Builds for the Boxing Day Test
Melbourne, Australia - December 24: As the Ashes series approaches its exciting Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia proudly holds the prestigious urn once more. Wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey, who recently achieved his first Ashes century in Adelaide, is on the brink of another significant milestone that could solidify his status among Australia's greatest wicketkeeper-batsmen.
The fourth Test between Australia and England is set to commence on December 26. Carey, who scored 106 and 72 in the Adelaide Test, played a crucial role in helping Australia secure a commanding 3-0 lead in the series. He is now just 128 runs shy of surpassing the legendary Adam Gilchrist for the most runs by an Australian wicketkeeper in a single calendar year.
This year, Carey has participated in 10 Tests, amassing 743 runs across 15 innings with an impressive average of 53.07 and a strike rate exceeding 76. His performance includes two centuries and four half-centuries, with a personal best of 156 runs.
In the current Ashes series, Carey ranks as the second-highest run-scorer, accumulating 267 runs in four innings at an average of 66.75, featuring one century and two fifties.
Adam Gilchrist holds the record for the most runs by an Australian keeper in a calendar year, having scored 870 runs in 14 matches and 19 innings back in 2001, with an average of 51.17, a strike rate of 81.92, and a best score of 152.
In preparation for the Boxing Day Test, Australia has announced a 15-member squad, excluding skipper Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon. Off-spinner Todd Murphy and fast bowler Jhye Richardson have been included in the squad, as reported by the ICC website. Steve Smith will captain the team in Cummins' absence, while all-rounders Michael Neser and Beau Webster, along with backup fast bowler Brendan Doggett, remain in the lineup.
Cummins is being rested for the Melbourne Test after recently recovering from a back injury, but he may return for the final Test of the series in Sydney starting January 4. He took six wickets in the Adelaide Test, with three in each innings.
Australia's squad for the fourth Test includes: Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, and Beau Webster.