The debate officially died in Adelaide. For eighteen months, a vocal section of the Australian cricket fanbase clamoured for change. They pointed to Josh Inglis’s glovework. They noted his big Sheffield Shield centuries for Western Australia. They flooded social media comments with the “Inglis is the future” narrative.
However, Alex Carey raised his bat to a roaring Adelaide Oval crowd this week. He soaked in the applause for a match-winning Ashes century. He didn’t just save his spot. He cemented a legacy. The South Australian has effectively locked the door on the wicketkeeping position until at least 2027. Honestly, the “Bring back Inglis” crowd needs to find a new hobby.
Consider the context of this innings. The pressure cooker of an Ashes series usually cracks players. However, Carey walked to the crease with Australia teetering. He didn’t just survive. The 34-year-old counter-attacked with controlled aggression.
This style makes opposition captains tear their hair out. This wasn’t a nervous fifty to keep his paycheck. This was a dominant, series-defining hundred. It shifted the entire momentum of the summer. He pulled the quicks and swept the spinners. Carey guided the tail with a level head that ignored the constant noise around him.
Josh Inglis: The shadow of a match-winner
Josh Inglis is still a huge talent. His recent form for Western Australia is impossible to ignore. This includes the sensational 122 against Queensland and a follow-up 101 against Tasmania. These scores would get him into almost any other Test side in the world. That is the tragedy of his timing. Inglis averages nearly 30 in first-class cricket. His strike rate screams “modern player.” On top of that, his glovework is top-tier.
However, Josh Inglis suffers from the same problem Stuart MacGill faced in the shadow of Shane Warne. A team cannot displace a proven match-winner just because the reserve is excellent. Selectors only make a change when the starter fails. Carey has refused to fail.
Critics often make lazy comparisons between Carey and Adam Gilchrist. They usually focus on strike rates. They miss the point. Carey is Gilchrist’s heir because he produces runs when the top order collapses. The South Australian does not need to smash the ball at a 100 strike rate every innings.
Look at the numbers. Carey’s Test average now sits comfortably in the mid-30s. That’s a massive win for keepers who often bat with the tail. More importantly, his dismissal-per-innings ratio remains elite. Carey takes the catches that matter. He pulls off the stumpings that break partnerships.
The argument for Inglis often hinges on “potential” or “X-factor.” However, Test cricket demands reliability over flashiness. Carey has played non-stop since late 2021. In that time, he has turned from a nervous starter into a senior leader. His glovework in Adelaide was perfect.
Carey looked great standing up to the stumps on a wearing pitch. This kind of skill separates the good players from the greats. Inglis brings the sparks to the Big Bash League. However, Alex Carey brings stability to the Test arena.
We also have to talk about the grit it takes to perform under this pressure. It is hard to play while your replacement scores hundreds in the state competition. Most players would crumble. Carey used it as fuel. He heard the noise and ignored the clickbait. He let his bat do the talking. That century in Adelaide was a statement. Carey is not just holding this spot; he owns it.
So, where does this leave Josh Inglis? Unfortunately, he stays on the bench or waits for an injury. Australia loves stability. The World Test Championship final and a tour of India are coming up soon. Consequently, the selectors will stick with the man who just delivered an Ashes win. Carey is 34 and fit. He is in the form of his life. He isn’t going anywhere.
The “Inglis vs. Carey” saga made for great headlines. However, the contest is over. Alex Carey has won. He is the most underrated cricketer on the planet right now. Until 2027, the number seven spot belongs to him.
What do you think? Is the door truly closed for Inglis? Could one bad game restart the debate? Drop your thoughts in the comments below. Share this post if you think Carey deserves more respect!
