Alex Carey Disappointed To Lose The Deputy's Role But Understands The Decision

Australia’s limited-overs wicketkeeper Alex Carey is one of the newest members in the national team and proved his mettle, having debuted in 2018. While Alex Carey enjoyed a stellar 2019 World Cup, he has not constructed any innings of note since. Ahead of Australia’s white-ball tour of England, Carey conceded being disappointed to lose the vice-captain’s hat.

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Under new coach Justin Langer, who came in 2018, Alex Carey and Pat Cummins shared the vice-captaincy duties to the leader Aaron Finch. Nevertheless, the previous week, Finch highlighted that Australia are moving to a ‘streamlined’ leadership process, which means that paceman Cummins serves the only deputy for the time being.

Alex Carey admitted that he has had a lot of clarity around the decision and feels disappointed to lose the vice-captaincy. However, he thanked Cricket Australia for the opportunity presented to him in the last couple of years.

“I’ve had a lot of clarity around the decision. You’re always going to be disappointed with that but I’m also really grateful and thankful for the opportunity I’ve had in that role in the past 24 months,” the gloveman told Cricket.com.au.

The 28-year old added that he would still love to have that role for himself, but it does not change things much. Alex Carey decided that he would remain the same person as before, trying to encourage the group as much as he could.

“I would love to still have the title next to my name but it’s not going to change anything from my end. I’m still going to rock up with a big smile on my face and try really hard around the group. It’s going back to the old model, which has worked in the past,” Alex Carey admitted.

I don’t see it as a setback: Alex Carey

The southpaw asserted that losing the position is not a step backwards and instead sees it as an opportunity to showcase his skills. Alex Carey hailed the combination of Cummins and Finch as an excellent leadership pair while the inputs from likes of Steve Smith and David Warner will also hold them in good stead.

“I don’t see it as a setback, I see it as a really big opportunity just to go out there and perform my skills. Pat Cummins is a fantastic leader and Aaron Finch is as well. Through the likes of David Warner, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell – there’s so many senior figures and heads around the group that we’re not reliant on just one or two people (to lead),” the South Australian added.

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