Ashes 2021-22 | Alex Carey set to to make his Test debut in the Gabba Test

Ashes 2021-22 is set to begin from December 8 with the first Test in Brisbane. Tim Paine stepped down from captaincy last month and took an indefinite break from the sport a few days later. Pat Cummins has become the new captain of the Australia Test team and the 15-member squad for the first two Tests of Ashes is selected. 

Alex Carey has been elected as the wicketkeeper in the first two Tests ahead of Josh Inglis who was also in contention to be the wicketkeeper-batsman in the team. He became the 461st cricketer to represent Australia in Test cricket while making his debut in the first Test. Carey has played 45 ODIs and 38 T20Is for Australia. 

"I am incredibly humbled by this opportunity. It's an exciting build-up for what is a huge series ahead. My focus is on preparing and playing my part in helping Australia secure the Ashes. This is also for my dad who has been my coach, mentor and mate, my mum, my wife Eloise, kids Louis and Clementine, my brother and sister and all of those who have supported me. I will be doing my absolute best to make them and our country proud,’ he stated. 

Carey managed to score 153 runs in the eight innings of Sheffield Shield averaging 21.85. However, he regained his form with a knock of 101 against Queensland in the One-Day Cup match at the end of last month. 

Chairman of selectors George Bailey said that Carey will bring many strengths into the team.

"Alex has been a regular member of the national side in white-ball cricket, particularly in the one-day game. He is an excellent cricketer and a fine individual who will bring many great strengths to the team. He will be a very deserved holder of baggy green cap number 461,” Bailey said.

Australia squad for first two Tests: Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.