Tag: NewSouthWales

Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey has sent a resounding message to the Indian team ahead of their upcoming tour of Australia, delivering a magnificent century in South Australia’s Sheffield Shield draw against New South Wales.

Carey’s second-innings knock of 111 from 158 deliveries was a crucial contribution, helping South Australia recover from a precarious position of 23 for 4. The innings marked his most successful start to a Sheffield Shield season since his Test debut in 2021.

Carey’s efforts came after he finished last summer with an unbeaten 98 against New Zealand, providing reassurance for an Australian side that will be without Cameron Green for at least part of the summer due to a back injury.

On Friday, Carey steadied the ship after Test teammate Nathan Lyon sparked a collapse of 4 for 9 as the visitors chased 389 for victory. Lyon dismissed Travis Head, Nathan McAndrew, and Conor McInerney in quick succession, leaving South Australia in dire straits.

Carey’s arrival at the crease proved pivotal, as he forged a 182-run partnership with captain Nathan McSweeney, who also notched up a brilliant century. Carey’s half-century came off a sweep shot past deep midwicket, guiding South Australia into triple figures.

Just after lunch, Carey brought up his seventh first-class century with a single to deep cover. He was eventually dismissed for 111, caught at deep leg slip off Tanveer Sangha.

Carey’s ton was a fitting response to rival gloveman Josh Inglis, who had hit a century for Western Australia earlier this week. McSweeney continued to impress, facing 283 balls throughout the final day and putting South Australia in a strong position.

Lyon’s early heroics could not be repeated, as Moises Henriques handed the ball to Nic Maddinson late on, acknowledging that a result was unlikely.

Carey’s performance is a timely reminder of his quality and will be a boost for Australia as they prepare for the Indian tour. With Green’s absence, Carey’s experience and form will be invaluable to the team.

Alex Carey’s blistering 90 has given South Australia a glimmer of hope in their Sheffield Shield clash against New South Wales, but Nathan Lyon’s late burst has put the Blues firmly in control.

Carey, who has been in impressive form for Australia in white-ball cricket, carried his momentum into the red-ball arena, smashing 90 from just 85 balls. His innings was a counter-attacking masterclass, peppered with four sixes and numerous boundaries.

After arriving at the crease with South Australia in trouble at 87 for 3, Carey took the game by the scruff of the neck. He targeted Tanveer Sangha, who had earlier dismissed Travis Head, and hit him for a series of boundaries.

Carey’s knock came after Head had also hit two sixes in his 30, but the left-hander was dismissed by Sangha when he was drawn into an edge outside off stump.

Undeterred, Carey continued to attack, hitting back-to-back boundaries off Jack Nisbet and slog-sweeping Lyon for another six. He also reverse-swept and drove Sangha to the boundary, showing his full range of strokes.

However, Carey’s aggression ultimately proved his undoing, as he was caught in the deep trying to take on Lyon. His dismissal triggered a collapse of 4 for 5, with Lyon taking three wickets in 14 balls to finish with 3 for 45.

Lyon’s wickets included Daniel Drew, who was caught-and-bowled for a duck, and Ben Manenti, who was bowled by a ball that spun out of the rough. Captain Nathan McSweeney was also run out on 55, adding to South Australia’s woes.

“I’ve been itching to get back playing. It’s what I love doing,” Lyon said. “I feel like I’ve been training the house down and in a really good headspace.”

South Australia will need to bat with more resilience on day three if they are to avoid a heavy defeat. The Blues, on the other hand, will be confident of wrapping up the match quickly and securing their first win of the season.