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Record-breaking eight catches for Carey

3 minute read

Alex Carey has set a new record for most catches by a wicketkeeper on men's Test debut, holding onto eight edges in Brisbane.

ALEX CAREY of Australia. Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images

Alex Carey has enjoyed a record-breaking Test debut to cherish forever, snaffling eight catches at the Gabba before opening the batting.

Carey replaced Tim Paine behind the stumps in the Ashes opener, becoming the first Australian wicketkeeper to start their Test career on home soil since Adam Gilchrist.

The South Australian's glovework was tidy throughout the lopsided match.

Carey was rewarded with five edges in England's second innings, bringing his match tally to eight catches.

No gloveman in the history of men's Test cricket has taken more catches on debut.

Carey was then promoted up the order and walked out to the middle alongside Marcus Harris on day four, when David Warner remained in the rooms because of bruised ribs.

Carey was denied a chance to hit the winning runs, falling on nine when he edged a delivery from Ollie Robinson.

But the 30-year-old, who faced the first ball of the innings, showed plenty of signs throughout all four days that he will nail down a spot in the XI.

"He looked every part a Test match keeper," ex-captain Ricky Ponting said on the Seven Network.

"The fact he came out and opened the batting in the second innings ... a lot of people wouldn't do that.

"Carey would have put his hand up, 'give it to me, I'll try to get the job done'.

"Unfortunately he didn't, but what a game for him on debut."

Carey was called up ahead of fellow would-be debutant Josh Inglis for this Test, with Gilchrist performing the baggy-green presentation duties in Brisbane.