Carey open to sharing keeping duties with Inglis in Tests
What's the story
Australia's first-choice Test wicketkeeper since the 2021/22 Ashes, Alex Carey, remains optimistic about his future alongside Josh Inglis.
Notably, Carey in keeping the wickets for Australia despite Inglis's presence in the ongoing two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
Despite being a back-up wicketkeeper, Inglis is yet to debut as a wicketkeeper for Australia.
Here's more.
Stellar performances
Inglis and Carey's impressive performances in Sri Lanka series
In the first Test of the Sri Lanka series, Inglis made a mark by scoring 102 runs in his debut innings.
His impressive form has strengthened his case for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final in June.
Meanwhile, Carey showcased his batting prowess by ending day two of the second Test with an unbeaten 139. He was eventually dismissed for 156.
Team dynamics
Carey envisions future Test team with Inglis
The upcoming WTC Final may pose a selection dilemma for Australia, with opener Sam Konstas and all-rounder Cameron Green also vying for spots in the squad.
Nevertheless, Carey stays optimistic about his and Inglis's position in future games.
He said, "I feel like if I can continue to improve as well and play as long as possible, and we've done it in white ball cricket as well, I think we can certainly co-exist."
Captain's endorsement
Australia's stand-in captain backs Carey as wicketkeeper
Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith has thrown his weight behind Carey to remain the team's wicketkeeper.
He praised Carey's performance in the first Test against Sri Lanka, where he achieved three stumpings — setting a record for an Australian wicketkeeper in Sri Lanka.
Smith said, "As far as I'm concerned, it's his job... I think he's keeping as well as I've ever seen him keep."
Match progression
Australia seize control on Day 3 of Test match
After bowling out Sri Lanka for 257, Australia came back strong in the first innings, reaching 377/6 on Day 3.
Despite early blows in the form of Travis Head (21) and Marnus Labuschagne's (4) dismissals, the momentum swung toward Australia thanks to Smith and Carey's fighting stand.
Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, however, broke this partnership, sending Smith and Inglis back in one over.
Meanwhile, at lunch on Day 3, Australia lead by 157 runs after being bowled out for 414.
Stats
A look at Carey's Test stats after his brilliant ton
Carey's 156 off 188 balls saw him slam 15 fours and two sixes. In 39 matches, Carey owns 1,757 runs in Tests at 35.14.
This is now his best Test score. He owns two tons and 9 fifties.
As per ESPNcricinfo, the southpaw has 526 runs in Asia at 43.83 (100s: 1, 50s: 2).
Meanwhile, the Aussie star has now raced to 291 Test runs against the Lankans at 97.
Record
Carey scripts these records
As per ESPNcricinfo, Carey became the first Aussie keeper to script a 150-plus Test score in Asia.
He went past Gilchrist, who made 144 each in Kandy (2004) and Fatullah (2006).
No other Aussie keeper owns a ton in the continent.
Meanwhile, Carey's 156 is now the fourth-highest score by a non-Asian keeper in Asia.
The southpaw is only behind Zimbabwe's Andy Flower (232* in Nagpur and 183* in Delhi) and SA's AB de Villiers (164 in Dubai).