'All about heroes and villains': Alex Carey on Ashes rivalry
What's the story
Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey, who faced backlash for stumping Jonny Bairstow in the 2023 Ashes, has now downplayed the incident. The controversial moment had sparked a debate over Australia's adherence to the spirit of cricket and intensified the already fierce Ashes rivalry. However, ahead of the first Test in Perth, both teams seem to be taking a lighter approach toward this incident.
Rivalry recognition
Carey acknowledges Ashes series' hero-villain dynamic
Carey, while acknowledging the Barmy Army's gesture, said he was unsure if it would last throughout the series. He also spoke about the hero-villain dynamic of Ashes series, saying it depends on which side one supports. "I think Ashes series growing up watching, you've got your heroes, you've got your villains - depends which side of the fence you sit on," he told The Western Australia.
Humor amid tension
England's wicketkeeper jokes about Carey's stumping
England's wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, when asked how he would have reacted in Carey's position in the 2023 Ashes match, said he wouldn't have done anything. "Absolutely not," he said, before joking: "I think out here with the pace and bounce, I'd be too far back to actually hit the stumps. The local chapter of Barmy Army has also promised not to abuse or boo Carey during the first Test.
Information
Carey would be raring to go
Though Australia famously managed a 2-2 draw in the 2023 Ashes, Carey averaged only 22.23 with the bat in that serie. However, his returns of late have been far stronger, with the wicketkeeper averaging 47.60 through his seven Tests so far this year.