As the Ashes series moves to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the grand Boxing Day fixture, Australia once again holds the prestigious urn. Aussie wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey, who scored his maiden Ashes century in Adelaide, has another milestone within reach that could cement his legacy as one of Australia’s all-time great keeper-batters.
The fourth Test between Australia and England will commence on December 26. Carey, who scored 106 and 72 in the Adelaide Test to help Australia secure the urn with an unbeatable 3-0 series lead, is just 128 runs away from surpassing the legendary Adam Gilchrist for most runs by an Aussie wicketkeeper in a calendar year.
In 10 Tests this year, Carey has amassed 743 runs in 15 innings, averaging 53.07
with a strike rate above 76. His record includes two centuries and four fifties, with a highest score of 156. Carey is also the second-highest run-scorer in the Ashes this year, having accumulated 267 runs in four innings at an average of 66.75, featuring a century and two fifties.
Also Read: Harry Brook Just 7 Runs Short Of Incredible Record, Can Become Second-Fastest Batter To…
Adam Gilchrist holds the record for most runs by an Aussie keeper in a calendar year, scoring 870 runs in 14 matches and 19 innings back in 2001. He averaged 51.17 with a strike rate of 81.92, including three centuries and four fifties, with a top score of 152.
Australia ZXI For 4th Ashes Test
Australia announced its 15-member squad for the Boxing Day Test on Tuesday, excluding skipper Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon. Off-spinner Todd Murphy and fast bowler Jhye Richardson have been added to the squad and will be considered for the fourth Test, according to the ICC website. Steve Smith will captain the side in Cummins’ absence, while all-rounders Michael Neser and Beau Webster and backup quick Brendan Doggett remain in the squad.
Cummins is rested for the Melbourne Test, having recently returned from a back injury. He may appear in the final Test of the series in Sydney starting January 4. Cummins took six wickets during the Adelaide Test, three in each innings.
(With inputs from Agencies)
