Alex Carey not the same since the Jonny Bairstow stumping – Tim Paine – CricBlog

Alex Carey not the same since the Jonny Bairstow stumping – Tim Paine | Tim Paine shares thoughts on Alex Carey

Alex Carey, who started the England tour in strong fashion back in June, has struggled for runs and fluency over recent weeks. In his last eight ODIs, Carey has made just one 20+ score – his excellent 99 in Australia’s heavy defeat at Centurion on September 15.

The remaining seven scores have been under 15, including a duck in Australia’s defeat in their World Cup opener against India.

The keeper-batsman also had a quiet final three Tests in the Ashes, where he struck 71 runs at 14.2. Before the third match at Headingley, Carey had an excellent World Test Championship Final against India (48 & 66*) and scored 66 in the first Test of the Ashes series.

In fact, the difference in the batting and keeping between Carey and Jonny Bairstow was considered a key factor in Australia picking up a 2-0 series lead.

So, what has been the catalyst for Carey’s drop in form? Former Australian captain and wicket-keeper Tim Paine weighed in on his struggles speaking on SEN Breakfast.

Carey not the same since Bairstow stumping – Tim Paine

“He’s [Carey] has been struggling, there’s no doubt about that,” said Paine. “I don’t think he’s looked the same since the Jonny Bairstow stumping.”

“Whether that’s had an effect on him mentally because there was no doubt he copped an absolute barrel over there. I don’t know if it’s rattled him or if his confidence has dropped off. He hasn’t looked the same,” Paine continued.

Now, Australia have a decision to make with Josh Inglis in the squad. Carey provides a left-handed option which the selectors have gone with to start the World Cup, but his struggles against left-arm spin are concerning.

“He’s [Carey] has been struggling, there’s no doubt about that. don’t think he’s looked the same since the Jonny Bairstow stumping.”

Tim Paine.

The five-time champions have a crucial match against South Africa coming up at Lucknow on 12 October. A second-straight defeat will mean lots of catching up to do in what is shaping up to be an interesting World Cup.