Australia’s wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey says he isn’t convinced the Barmy Army will keep their promise to stay quiet during the upcoming Ashes series. The group’s Perth coordinator had claimed they “absolutely won’t” boo Carey this summer, but the Australian gloveman isn’t buying it.
Carey has been a favourite target for English supporters ever since the dramatic moment in the 2023 Ashes at Lord’s, when he stumped Jonny Bairstow after the batter wandered out of his crease. The dismissal sparked outrage, heated scenes in the Long Room, and turned Carey into the main villain for England fans throughout that series.
Speaking ahead of the first Test at Optus Stadium on Friday, Carey said he fully expects the travelling English fans to make their presence felt, regardless of any pre-series assurances.
“I don’t know if that will stand for the whole series,” Carey told The West Australian about the reported booing ban.
He added that he understands how the rivalry works and knows the crowd will always pick their heroes and villains based on which side they support.
“In the Ashes, growing up watching, you’ve got your heroes and you’ve got your villains. It depends what side of the fence you sit on,” he said. “That’s what makes it so special. You’ve got amazing Australian fans supporting us, and English fans supporting them. Whatever happens in between makes for great viewing.”
Carey said he is prepared to handle whatever reaction comes his way and is more focused on starting the series well rather than worrying about crowd noise.
The wicketkeeper faced plenty of heat during the 2023 tour, and his performances dipped under the pressure as England fought back from 2-0 down to draw the series 2-2. Although the draw meant Australia retained the Ashes, the spotlight remained firmly on Carey right until the final day.
Now, two years later, Carey returns to the Ashes stage knowing the Bairstow stumping will still be fresh in the minds of many English supporters. But instead of shying away from the attention, he says he’s ready for whatever comes.
“Whatever it looks like for the whole group, not just myself, it should be amazing,” he said.
Carey will once again be a central figure — on the field and in the stands — as another highly anticipated Ashes series gets underway in Perth.
