IND vs AUS: Alex Carey relishes his wicket-keeping success on bouncy wickets and rank turners

Australia cricketer Alex Carey has expressed his thoughts after the conclusion of the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023, in Indore. The third Test was yet another instance of a Test match concluding within three days in this series.

Australia after massive losses in the first two Tests, bounced back to register a thumping win over India in the third Test by nine wickets. This victory helped them to become the first team to officially book a berth for the all-important World Test Championship, scheduled to be played from June 7, 2023 at the Oval. The second finalist is yet to be decided. Australia are currently trailing the four-match Test series 1-2.

As for India, they will have to win the fourth Test match at all costs to be able to book their berth for the Final. The loss in the third Test had many cricket pundits wanting the Indian management to do some deep scrutiny.

'It's challenging for everyone, and it's great to be on the right end of this one' - Alex Carey opens up on Indore pitch and Rohit Sharma

"Once the big screen showed the nick [in the first over], I thought he [Rohit] might have settled in for a nice 150 or something like that. It was challenging conditions throughout the match, but it was nice to get that one away and for us to get on a bit of a roll after that," the 31-year-old was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

The wicketkeeper-batter said that for the Australian team, the two major challenges were: first to be able to survive on the major rank-turner, and second to ensure Rohit Sharma didn't settle well to score big. Carey admitted that the Kangaroos were well aware how dangerous Rohit could get on those conditions once he settled down, and so to be able to get him out early was definitely a big advantage for the Australians.

As for the Indore pitch, Carey stated that the ball turning so much that too so early on day 1 of the third Test was something neither of the sides expected. For the Kangaroos it was important to strike early as they were already lagging behind in the series.

"Instinct takes over when you see a ball bounce like that. I don't think many of us were expecting an eight-degree turning ball that early in the game. But it was nice to hold onto that and for us to get a bit of momentum. It's fun being out there, it's challenging for everyone, and it's great to be on the right end of this one," the South Australian said.

"Balls are going to explode off lengths and even Starcy bowled a half volley that exploded up, so you're out there reacting to what you see," he continued.

Alex Carey was quite impressive with his wicketkeeping skills in the third Test. He conceded just three byes during the match. Albeit, the 31-year-old was of the opinion that he is not satisfied with his batting in this series.

"I had some confidence out of the first game and then getting out defending [in Indore]. Am I happy with that? Not really. So back my strength and try to score with the sweeps and manipulate a little bit more that way. Looking forward to another opportunity in Ahmedabad and get down and maybe get the broom out again," Carey concluded.

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