"I Was Surprised" - Alex Carey Reflects On His Snub From Playing XI In World Cup 2023

Australia wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey expressed his disappointment at being excluded from the ODI World Cup team despite his performances. Alex Carey revealed that he was surprised and disappointed at the same time but was determined to refine his skills.

Alex Carey played the first match against India in the World Cup but was subsequently replaced by Josh Inglis for the remaining matches, including the semi-final and final. He had been part of the squad for four years and even captained the team in three matches in 2021.

Try To Learn From It And Then Go To Work In The Nets – Alex Carey

The 32-year-old acknowledged the setback but emphasized the importance of learning from the experience. He expressed his determination to continue refining his skills in the nets to overcome the setback and make a strong comeback.

“I was surprised. Obviously really disappointed to lose my spot there. But, I guess once that news was delivered it was, I guess process it, try to learn from it and then go to work in the nets,” Carey was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Andy Flower Is A Fantastic Bloke – Alex Carey

Alex Carey said that he utilized the opportunity to reset his goals and rebuild his game, benefiting from the guidance of former Zimbabwe wicketkeeper-batter Andy Flower and Australia’s batting coach Michael Di Venuto.

“The silver lining is I had a mini pre-season over there as well. Always being ready to play but I was able to, I guess pick my game apart and work with some new faces and with different minds in the game. Having Andy Flower over there was great as well.”

“Now he’s a fantastic bloke. And working alongside Michael Di Venuto was great. Different ways to look at the game. Certain areas to score. It was nice just to get different opinions and talk to different people,” he further added.

All I Can Do Is Sort Of Control What I Can Do – Alex Carey

Reflecting on his 81-run knock in Sheffield Shield cricket last week, the wicketkeeper-batter expressed his satisfaction in returning to the middle to play and compete after spending two or three months in the nets.

“It was nice to get back out in the middle and play and compete. First innings to second innings, I probably a little bit of a tweak as well just in the mindset of playing again. It was good to get out and play a game after two or three months in the nets. It’s a little bit different out the middle,” Carey said.

“My self-belief has always been really strong. All I can do is sort of control what I can do and continue to prepare and find ways to get better. I’m excited to get out there and play,” he concluded.

Also read: “Wanted Few More Days…”: Alex Carey Criticizes IND vs AUS T20Is Schedule