Alex Carey Hoping Team India Plays Its Full-Strength Side In The Pink Ball Warm-Up Game

Australian limited-overs wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey is hoping that Team India fields its full-strength side in the upcoming three-day pink-ball practice match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, adding that it will be a great opportunity for the likes of him and teammates to play against a high-quality Test team.

Carey will lead the 12-man Australia A squad in a three-day practice against the Indians, which is set to take place at the SCG from December 11.

“We are hoping India put their best line-up out there. It’s a great opportunity for us to play against a high-quality Test team.” Alex Carey was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Australia A squad consist of number of cricketers who are pushing for a spot in the Test team for the upcoming series. The squad includes Cameron Green, who increased his chances of earning the baggy green for the very first time in his career following an all-round display against the Ajinkya Rahane-led Indians.

“If we mention the bloke in form in Cameron Green, the way he’s playing is really exciting to see him up close,” Carey said. “We’ve also got lots of players vying for Test selection so we’ll be going full bore. Excited to see some of the young quicks and [Mitchell] Swepson’s form in the lead-up has been unbelievable as well,” Carey said.

The squad also consists of incumbent opener Joe Burns and someone who could potentially earn a call-up, should he do well in the second game- Marcus Harris.

Burns has had a forgettable summer in FC cricket thus far. He registered scores of 4 and o in the last practice game but if he can shrugg off his poor form and register a score of substance in the second match, then he could lock himself as one of the two openers, given the fact that David Warner is injured and Will Pucovski is unlikely to feature in the first Test due to concussion.

Marcus Harris, on the other hand, has been in brilliant form in FC cricket this year. The left-hander, who broke the record for the highest partnership in Shield cricket alongside Will Pucovski, is averaging 103.75 this summer. Carey backed the duo of Harris and Burns besides adding that the practice game will be a great opportunity for the pair to make a case for themselves against a strong Indian pace-attack.

“Joe’s really experienced, we know how good a player he is and no doubt he’ll be working really hard tomorrow to score some runs. Fully trust the way he goes about it, he’s a proven opening batsman over a long time. Joe’s in great spirits…in the nets he’s hitting the ball really well so there’s a big score just around the corner. Seeing him and [Marcus Harris] line-up at the top against a really strong Indian team will be a really great opportunity for both of them,”he added.

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