In a recent Champions Trophy opener against England, Alex Carey, despite not donning the wicketkeeping gloves, showcased impressive fielding skills by taking a remarkable catch to dismiss Phil Salt. This moment spurred discussions about his role in the Australian ODI side, as he was selected solely as a batter while Josh Inglis took on the keeping duties, a decision rooted in a longstanding trend in one-day cricket, as noted by former captain Mark Taylor.
Positioned at mid-on, Carey leapt to his right before pulling off a stunning catch, marking just the beginning of his impactful performance against a historic rival like England. This catch is already being hailed as an early contender for the tournament’s best. While Carey holds a secure position as the Test team’s wicketkeeper — arguably surpassing Inglis in keeping ability — he has been relegated to an outfield role during ODI matches since Inglis shone in Australia’s successful 2023 World Cup campaign.
Ahead of Australia’s crucial match against South Africa, Carey expressed a desire to wear the gloves again, but acknowledged the different perspective he gained playing in the field. Taylor highlighted how the emphasis on batting over wicketkeeping has evolved, reflecting a trend dating back to Taylor’s playing days when batters were prioritised over specialist keepers, citing Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist as an example.
This shift in focus means that selector choices often lean towards a keeper’s batting capabilities rather than their glovework, especially with flat conditions and fewer deliveries reaching the wicketkeeper. Both Carey and Inglis have made their mark as top Australian batters in both red- and white-ball cricket. However, Taylor cautioned against devaluing the wicketkeeping position, stressing its crucial role in terms of making pivotal catches.
Even in the Test arena, this practice of selecting batters for their batting prowess continues, with players like Matthew Wade previously being chosen primarily for their batting skill after initially being a keeper. The recent tours have demonstrated that Carey and Inglis can complement each other, with Carey benefiting from his experience while Inglis’s development pushes both players to elevate their game.
Looking ahead, Australia’s upcoming match against South Africa is critical, as a win could secure them a spot in the semi-finals, leading to their final group stage match against Afghanistan. The competition between Carey and Inglis is seen as beneficial, fostering a healthy rivalry that fuels individual and team growth, prioritising performance over personal friendships.