Alex Carey Reflects On Historic Test Series Win And His Record-Breaking Innings, Says “Always Good Standing Behind Stumps”

February 9, 2025: Australia’s wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey shared his thoughts after his team’s dominant victory in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The second Test, which saw Australia winning by nine wickets, was a momentous occasion as the team secured their first series win in Sri Lanka in 14 years, completing a historic clean sweep in Asia for the first time since 2006.

In a post-match interview, Carey reflected on his experience behind the stumps, especially while standing up to the spinners during the two matches. The performance of Australia’s spinners—Matthew Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon—was exceptional, complementing superb centuries from Steve Smith and Carey. Carey was full of praise for the spinners, stating, “We’ve got some quality spinners in our lineup, always good standing behind the stumps.” He also acknowledged Sri Lanka’s Kusal, who did a great job as a wicketkeeper on the opposing side.

Carey, who played an outstanding knock of 156 runs from 188 balls in the second Test, also made history by becoming the first Australian wicketkeeper-batter to score 150 runs in Asia. His innings was composed of 15 boundaries and two sixes, helping Australia chase down the target with ease. This performance was not just significant for the victory but also for setting a new benchmark for Australian wicketkeeper-batters in Asia. Carey surpassed the legendary Adam Gilchrist’s previous record of 144 runs in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, making his mark as the second wicketkeeper-batter from Australia—after Gilchrist—to score a century in Asia.

In the post-match presentation, Carey praised the platform set by the top order, mentioning Steve Smith’s brilliant performance and highlighting the quality of the wicket, which allowed for expansive shots. “Smudge again was outstanding in this innings, showing his class,” Carey said, reflecting on his teammate’s contribution to the win.

With this remarkable achievement, Carey has not only etched his name in Australian cricket history but also played a crucial role in Australia’s historic series victory in Sri Lanka, a feat that had eluded them for over a decade.