Australia’s Alex Carey (AP Photo/James Elsby) Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey produced an emotional century as he guided the hosts to an impressive 326 for 8 at the end of the opening day of the third Test against England at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday. Australia got off to a shaky start, slumping to 94 for 4 soon after lunch, but Carey and the later addition of Usman Khawaja put together 91 runs for the fifth wicket to steady the innings. Carey finished with 106 off 143 balls, marking his third Test century. After reaching the milestone, the South Australian looked to the skies in tribute to his late father Gordon, who died in September after a long battle with cancer.
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“You know the reasons why — I’m probably a little emotional right now,” Carey said after the day’s play. “Obviously it was a really good feeling to make a hundred at home. The family and friends were there… they would be proud. They love going to the cricket and watching me play. My kids are here, Eloise, mum and nieces – it would be a really nice moment for them.” “We were there right after lunch in a bit of a sticky situation as well. So to partner with Uzzie and I think to keep us in the game was great.” “I would have liked to have scored more points and been there a little longer. But to be able to take my helmet off and look up at the sky was a really nice moment.” Steve Smith was ruled out of the match with a potential vestibular problem, allowing Khawaja to return to the side after missing the first two Tests with back spasms. Carey praised Khawaja’s contribution, saying: “I still think he has a lot to give to this group. We saw him again today and he played really well.” Despite wickets falling at the other end, Carey remained steadfast, producing his first domestic Test century and surpassing Steve Smith’s 618 runs to become Australia’s leading Test run scorer for the year. His tally is now sixth worldwide for the year in the format. The shift was not without controversy. Carey survived the first chance on 72 when he edged the first ball in the 63rd from Josh Tongue. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and the fielders appealed and celebrated, but standing umpire Ahsan Raza sent him off after England reviewed the decision. The snickometer showed the tip two to three frames before the ball passed the bat. TV umpire Chris Gaffaney explained: “There’s a clear gap, no spike. The ball seemed to go well under the bat.” Reflecting on the moment, Carey said: “I thought there was a feather or some sound when it went through the bat. Did it look a bit funny on replay when the noise came early? If I’d been dealt, I think I would have checked it – probably not confidently. It was a nice sound when it went through the bat. Apparently, Snicko doesn’t work sometimes? Sometimes luck doesn’t sit like that, he did a bit and maybe I got it today.”
