Alex Carey fires warning to 'best team' India after scoring match-saving century in Sheffield Shield

Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey has issued a strong statement ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series against India. Alex Carey is excited for the five-match Test series against India after scoring a century for South Australia in a Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales.

Alex Carey scored 90 runs off 85 balls, including 10 fours and four sixes, in the first innings of the match. The left-handed batter delivered a much better performance in the second innings with 111 runs off 158 balls. It was his best start to a Sheffield Shield season since he made his Test debut for Australia in 2021.

The wicketkeeper-batter and Nathan McSweeney scored centuries to rescue the Redbacks in the match. They were reduced to 4-23 after impressive bowling from veteran spinner Nathan Lyon. Carey scored his seventh first-class century to help his team finish in a draw while chasing 389 for victory.

There's Some Positive Signs There - Alex Carey

Alex Carey said that he felt good with the bat after scoring a century in the red-ball match. Carey said that he was pleased to carry that form into his home games. He is looking forward to the upcoming series against India, describing them as one of the top teams in the world.

"There's some positive signs there," said Carey of his first match since returning from the white-ball tour of the UK.

"I felt good with the bat, felt good over in England so it's nice to bring some of that form home. I'm very excited (for India). They're right up there with the best team in the world at the moment across all conditions. It'll be a great opportunity for us," he added.

Just A Little Bit Out Of Our Reach - Alex Carey

Alex Carey said that the target of 389 runs was just a little bit out of their reach. He noted that if they had pushed too aggressively at the start, it might have given opportunities to the opposition team. Carey said that then things could have gone against them.

"Probably just a little bit out of our reach. I guess if you go a little bit harder early, you open the door to a Test spinner and a good attack, then things could have gone against us," Carey further stated.

Australia To Face Team India In Five-Match Test Series

Carey came to the crease when South Australia was struggling at 23 for 4. He added an 182-run partnership with captain Nathan McSweeney, who scored 127 runs off 283 balls. Carey celebrated his half-century by sweeping Nathan Lyon for a four. He ended with an unbeaten 111 runs off 158 balls.

The Australian cricketers made themselves available for the domestic red-ball match to prepare well for the upcoming series against India. They last played a Test match against New Zealand in away conditions in March 2024. The Indian cricket team, on the other hand, is busy with home Test series.

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