Australian cricket great Ian Healy believes Alex Carey’s glovework in Pakistan isn’t getting the credit it deserves.
Carey, Australia’s incumbent Test keeper, fell just short of his maiden century after being dismissed for 93 in the second Test in Karachi.
But it’s the South Australian’s glovework that is impressing Healy, who called out the “pathetic commentary” surrounding the 30-year-old’s keeping.
After snaffling a record eight catches on Test debut, Carey was criticised in some quarters for his performances in the final four Ashes Tests last summer.
“I’m quite annoyed about something I saw yesterday,” Healy told SEN’s Pat and Heals.
“The commentary was very, very underwhelming and very distracted. For mine, when the ball went past the bat, that’s when they stopped watching.
“Some of the takes of Alex Carey when you’re wicketkeeping to Mitchell Starc swinging the ball late were unbelievable and never ever mentioned – it was pathetic commentary.
“Down the leg side, swinging fast, bouncing in front of the keeper, he’s moving his feet well at times, he’s diving well at times, he’s coping with balls that have bounced in front of him, and he was clean as a whistle – and they weren’t giving him anything.
“When he’s having a clean, skilful, tough day and making it look easy, I want it noticed. You know what will happen, he’ll put one down and they’ll criticise him.
“They’ll forget all the good work that was done yesterday following up his 93 with the bat.”
Carey took two catches as Australia bowled Pakistan out for just 148 on Day 3 to take control of the second Test.