The Ashes 2021-22: Alex Carey All Set To Replace Tim Paine As Wicketkeeper In The Series Opener – Reports

Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey is all set to make his Test debut in the marquee Ashes 2021-22 series, and he will replace former captain Tim Paine in the Playing XI.

Tim Paine, who was set to don the gloves for Australia in the marquee series, stepped down from captaincy following the involvement in the sexting scandal, and he has also decided to take an ” indefinite mental health break” from cricket.

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Meanwhile, Pat Cummins has replaced Paine as the new captain of Australia in the longest format of the game. Cummins is the 47th Aussie Test captain, and he is also the first pacer to lead Australia in Test cricket in the last 65 years.

Former skipper Steve Smith has also made a comeback in the leadership role after getting banned from cricket following the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in 2018 as Smith has been named as permanent vice-captain of the Test team.

Alex Carey Frontrunner To Replace Tim Paine As Wicketkeeper-batsman In The Ashes 2021-22

The battle for the wicketkeeper-batsman spot in the Ashes Playing XI was between Alex Carey and Western Australia gloveman Josh Inglis.

Previously it was told that Carey was the frontrunner and a century for South Australia in the Marsh Cup confirmed his place in the team. Also, on Tuesday, Inglis was released from the quarantine, and he has returned home to Perth.

Meanwhile, Carey has played 83 International games for Australia in white-ball cricket and was even involved in a leadership role, and the Ashes series will be the first time he will be donning the baggy green.

Former cricketer Mark Taylor has also backed Carey to replace Paine.

“I think it’s got to be Alex Carey, Inglis being in the T20 side recently has put a bit of pressure on but Alex Carey’s been around for a while and been a past vice-captain of the Australian one-day side. I have got him in there just for the experience,” Taylor told Nine’s Sports Sunday.

The marquee Ashes 2021-22 series is scheduled to begin from December 8 at the iconic Gabba, Brisbane.

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