
Alex Carey: A Journey from Football to Cricket Success
Personal Details
- Full Name: Alex Tyson Carey
- Age: 33
- Date of Birth: 27 August 1991
- Birthplace: Loxton, South Australia
- Height: 182 cm
- Batting Style: Left-Handed Bat
- Bowling Style: Right-Arm Fast Seam
---
Career Debuts
- ODI Debut: 19 January 2018
- T20I Debut: 03 February 2018
- Test Debut: 08 December 2021
---
Player Story
Alex Carey’s cricket career began in a rather unconventional fashion. After excelling in youth cricket for South Australia, Carey shifted his focus to Australian Rules football, where he enjoyed considerable success. At just 18, he became the inaugural captain and Best and Fairest Award winner for the newly formed Greater Western Sydney Giants in his first season. However, his AFL journey came to an abrupt halt in 2012 when he was axed by the club as they prepared for the top-tier AFL competition. A return to cricket came soon after, with the South Australian Redbacks offering him a lifeline.
From that point, there was no turning back. Carey quickly established himself as a key player for South Australia, transitioning from a full-time batter to a wicketkeeper-batter. His role as a wicketkeeper became pivotal during the 2015-16 season when he took over the gloves full-time for the state.
In the 2017-18 season, Carey played a crucial role in Adelaide Strikers’ BBL|07 title win, with a standout performance, including an incredible century against the Hobart Hurricanes. Despite being overlooked for Test selection for the 2017-18 Ashes series, Carey’s consistent form earned him his international debuts in both ODI and T20I formats in early 2018.
Carey’s Australian grit was on full display during the 2019 ODI World Cup in England, where he batted bloodied and bandaged after being struck on the chin in the semi-final, earning respect and admiration for his determination.
In 2021-22, Carey was named as Australia’s Test wicketkeeper, replacing Tim Paine, and received Baggy Green cap No.461 from the legendary Adam Gilchrist at the Gabba. His maiden Test century followed soon after during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa, cementing his place in the team.
Carey’s remarkable performances continued, particularly during the 2023 Ashes at Lord’s when he stumped Jonny Bairstow, showcasing his sharp wicketkeeping skills and earning further accolades in Test cricket.