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Did You Know? Alex Carey Used To Play Football As Captain Before Re-Joining Cricket

Jatin

Alex Carey grabbed absolute blinder [Source: @CricketAus/X]Alex Carey grabbed absolute blinder [Source: @CricketAus/X]

Alex Carey might not have had the gloves on but that didn’t stop him from pulling off some absolute screamers in the field. The Australian wicketkeeper, playing as a specialist batter in the Champions Trophy opener against England, turned heads with his sensational catches that had fans and experts buzzing.

Alex Carey Grabbed Stunning Catch to Dismiss Phil Salt

It all started in the second over when England’s Phil Salt, fresh off a six, looked to send Ben Dwarshuis down the ground again. But Alex Carey had other plans. 

Sprinting from mid-on, he leaped like a seasoned AFL star and pulled off a one-handed stunner behind his head. It was a grab straight out of a highlight reel, putting him in early contention for the catch of the tournament.



Another One For The Highlight Reel

Carey wasn’t done yet. In the sixth over, he converted another sharp catch to send Jamie Smith back to the pavillion. While this one wasn’t as spectacular as the first, it still displayed his catching skills.

Then came the 35th over. Harry Brook nicked one off Adam Zampa, and Carey, stationed at backward point, ran back and dived full stretch to complete another blinster.

AFL Background on Full Display

Carey’s background in Australian Rules Football was written all over those catches. Before making his mark in cricket, Alex Carey was a promising Australian Rules footballer. He captained the GWS Giants during their formative years in 2010 and led the side in the TAC Cup before the club’s AFL debut.

A natural athlete, Carey played as a midfielder and showcased impressive leadership, agility and endurance: qualities that now define his cricketing career. Despite winning the team’s Best and Fairest award, he missed out on a spot in their inaugural AFL squad in 2012. 

That setback led him back to cricket, where he switched gears and became one of Australia’s top wicketkeepers. However, his footballing instincts: quick reflexes, aerial skills and sharp movement still shine every time he takes the field.

England Push Forward Despite Carey’s Efforts

Meanwhile, with Josh Inglis taking the gloves, Carey was picked purely as a batter for this game. But even without standing behind the stumps, he made sure his presence was felt. His fielding efforts came at crucial moments for Australia as they looked to put the brakes on England’s innings.

At the time of writing, England are 284/5 after 42 overs, with Ben Duckett batting on a brilliant 143 and Liam Livingstone new to the crease. But no matter how many runs are scored, it’s Carey’s catches that are stealing the limelight.