Australian Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey has described India's dramatic victory over England in the fifth and final Test as 'spectacular.' Carey believes that pacer Mohammed Siraj's ability to get the old ball to move on the final morning was a key factor that made the difference in the end.
England had entered the final day needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand and appeared to be in a commanding position to secure a 3-1 series victory. However, Siraj's brilliant spell turned the match on its head, as he took three crucial wickets to guide India to a six-wicket win and level the series at 2-2.
Speaking at a press briefing, Carey said, "I think the whole series was pretty entertaining - the way it finished was pretty spectacular. To see five Test matches go five days is pretty unique." He also praised Chris Woakes, who was injured and had to bat, calling his effort 'pretty courageous.' While initially backing England to score the remaining runs, Carey's opinion changed after watching the start of day five. "I reckon once we saw Siraj bowl that first over, there was quite a bit of movement with a 77-over old ball," he noted.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Ashes series, Carey stated that Australia will not need to significantly alter their style of play. He said they are well-acquainted with England's aggressive 'Bazball' approach—a term used to describe Ben Stokes' team's attacking style of Test cricket.
Also Read: Brook, Root take England to brink of series win
"We probably don't have to go too far away from our style of cricket. When we were over there last time in the Ashes, there was a lot of talk about their new style of play. We've seen it for a number of years now and there will be no surprises with it," Carey explained. "We know the way that they play. Both teams have a good balance between grinding and going after them with certain players."
Carey, who is currently recovering from a concussion he suffered during the third Test against the West Indies in Jamaica, also took the opportunity to congratulate England's batting star, Joe Root. Root recently surpassed Australian legend Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest Test run-scorer of all time, behind only Sachin Tendulkar. "I don't think he'll be feeling any pressure (in the Ashes). Congratulations to him as well (for passing Ponting), it's a fantastic career so far. No doubt, legends of the game want to do really well in every series and he'll be no different," Carey said.
Also Read: Siraj every captain’s dream: Gill
Follow us
