UPDATE: Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey has cast serious doubt on the Barmy Army’s claim that he will not be booed by English supporters during the upcoming Ashes series. As tensions escalate ahead of the match set to kick off on July 15, 2023, at Optus Stadium, Carey remains skeptical about the English fans’ intentions.
The controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow last year has made Carey a prime target for jeers. The incident, which ignited tempers during the last Ashes series, resulted in a fiery atmosphere at Lord’s, where the Australian team faced significant backlash. Legendary bowler Stuart Broad, now part of Channel Seven’s commentary team, famously told Carey, “that’s all you’ll be remembered for” in the aftermath of that incident.
Despite the Barmy Army’s Perth coordinator, Alison Foskett, stating that no songs will be sung about Carey and that they “absolutely won’t” boo him, the Australian wicketkeeper is prepared for the worst. “I don’t know if that will stand for the whole series,” Carey remarked, indicating his anticipation of the crowd’s reactions.
The Ashes series is known for its intense rivalry, with players often taking on the roles of heroes and villains. “That’s what makes it special,” Carey added, highlighting the excitement that the competition generates among fans. As the series approaches, he remains focused on delivering strong performances, despite averaging only 22.23 with the bat in the last series. In contrast, Carey has shown improvement this year, boasting an average of 47.60 across seven Tests.
As the countdown to Friday’s clash begins, Carey emphasized his eagerness to hit the field and make an impact. “I’m excited to get out there Friday. I don’t think there’s too much hype that needs to get on it to be an exciting series,” he stated, showcasing a calm demeanor amid rising tensions.
As fans prepare for what promises to be an electrifying series, all eyes will be on Carey as he navigates the pressure of being England’s potential pantomime villain. The stakes are high, and the world will be watching closely as the legendary rivalry resumes.
Stay tuned for real-time updates as the situation unfolds and the Ashes series kicks off.
