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MS Dhoni inspired ‘bullet’ keeping! Appreciating the Alex Carey act at Gabba

Soumyajit Dutta

Alex Carey behind the stumps [Source: AFP Photos]Alex Carey behind the stumps [Source: AFP Photos]

Alex Tyson Carey, a very forgettable name just a few years back, is now in the headlines for something we usually associate with ‘Thala’ MS Dhoni’s elite wicketkeeping skills. Isn’t it fascinating for someone to almost be at par with one of the greatest wicketkeepers of all time, a man who initially wanted to take up football?

As excruciatingly beautiful as the thought is, it is the reality of Aussie wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who found his calling in cricket back in 2018 and earned his Test Whites in 2021. 

The elite-level athlete from South Australia has been in the news for his razor-sharp skills and reflexes on the field. However, what truly caught everyone’s eye in the recently concluded Gabba Test was Carey keeping up to the stumps while Scott Boland and Michael Neser bowled searing deliveries for a few overs.

The Gabba masterclass: A keeping spectacle for the ages

It was a daring masterclass from someone whose glovework was scrutinised four years ago when he debuted. From doubtful to “the world’s best,” Carey has become a phenomenon behind the stumps.

But shush, enough career praise already… We are here to talk about the brilliance on display at the Gabba. Boland and Neser were sending down 130–140 kph deliveries, and Carey was up at the stumps, unflinched. Child’s play?

Thud, thud, thud… the bullet-like deliveries crashed into Carey’s gloves, and the 34-year-old remained unfazed. No traditional collection of the balls, either, perhaps a technique similar to MS Dhoni’s.

The prophet of the absurd art of collecting the ball without carrying its momentum, MS Dhoni has long influenced wicketkeepers across the world. His technique allows direct stumpings without losing precious milliseconds. Carey, who seems to have been inspired by the Indian maestro, was seen doing exactly that.

The Stokes trap that paid off!

Alex Carey keeping behind the stumps [Source: @Zubitalks/X.com]Alex Carey keeping behind the stumps [Source: @Zubitalks/X.com]

After palming the deliveries, Carey was even attempting stumpings on balls coming in at over 135 kph! The sweetest moment arrived when his daring paid off. Ben Stokes became the prey of Carey’s strategic brilliance. Neser’s delivery kissed Stokes’ bat, and Carey, ever alert, palmed it cleanly as Stokes walked away in frustration.

Carey’s wicketkeeping, as clean as it is, reflects the agility of MS Dhoni, whom he once called a “genius” behind the stumps while reacting to one of the CSK star’s wildest and whackiest stumpings for India. 

Carey’s strategy of keeping up to the stumps against pace bowling also mirrors Dhoni’s brilliance, as the Indian legend occasionally stood up to medium pacers to outwit batters at the crease. But in a Test match, and that too on a Gabba pitch with bowlers like Boland steaming in? Even MS Dhoni might have given that idea a second thought!

Carey, the experts' choice!

Significantly, back in 2020, Carey even shared a few words about Dhoni being his inspiration to become one of the greatest finishers of all time. While we may give the finisher role some time to brew, there is no doubt that Carey has evolved into one of the best wicketkeepers in the modern cricketing scenario. 

The testament to that came from legends themselves. Australia’s wicketkeeping maestro Ian Healy said on SEN radio, “I think he's clearly the best in the world, probably even before this [Test],” while Brad Haddin added, “I've not seen a better keeping display.”

Though Carey still has a long way to go before entering the conversation of all-time greats, his 171 catches and 18 stumpings from 67 Test innings already place him far ahead of other active wicketkeepers in the world in the tally of most catches in Test career. 

India’s Rishabh Pant follows him with 160 catches, highlighting just how dominant Carey has become behind the stumps with his presence of mind and game awareness.