The innovative strategy has proven pivotal for the Australian team in their series win this season, but paceman Scott Boland has acknowledged it has not always been straightforward – both for his self-perception and his bowling length – to have wicketkeeper Alex Carey stand up at the stumps.
“Because I’ve rarely experienced it before, I just didn’t really feel comfortable with it,” he said. “I know everyone wants to be a ‘fast’ bowler, and you don’t really want to see the keeper up to the stumps, but I’ve seen over the last month how successful it is.”
Carey’s closeness to the wickets against the pace of Boland, alongside Michael Neser in the second Test, has prevented England’s batters from stepping out of the crease – a central plank in their pre-Ashes strategy to disrupt Australia’s bowlers.
An Effective Adjustment
This method has delivered important wickets, but beyond the scorecard it has been identified as an major reason England have not been able to dictate terms on the series. And it is only possible due to Carey’s skill with the gloves.
Ahead of the MCG Test, Boland said the adjustment has been an adjustment for him and a bit of a hit to his ego, considering he is one of the best fast bowlers in the country and typically bowls close to 140km/h.
“Historically when I’ve had the keeper up at the back, I haven’t felt that comfortable and you end up bowling a little bit shorter, but I’ve got complete faith in Cares that if I hit my normal length... he’s got exceptional hands.”
A Plan Years in the Making
Coach Andrew McDonald first suggested the possibility of using the tactic with Boland prior to the last Ashes, but it has taken more than two years for it to fully be implemented.
Carey revealed after the Gabba Test he does not practise the technique given the peril involved, but it has shown itself to be an secret weapon for the Australians in neutralizing England’s aggression.
Bouncing Back From Early Targeting
Boland was targeted during the 2023 Ashes, and said England “came hard” at him during the first innings of the series opener in Perth, where he was wicketless in 10 overs.
Captain Pat Cummins and stand-in Steve Smith have been happy to let the pair dictate when and when not to employ the strategy.
“The great part about that is we’d confer every few deliveries... if he’s feeling that it’s better off being back, then I believe him. If he’s like, ‘no, I want to come up...’ then I’ll back his judgment.”
On the Horizon for Boxing Day
Boland has overcome a hip issue and is set to play at the MCG on December 26th. Meanwhile, Carey’s glovework this summer has been paired by brilliance with the bat. His 267 runs are behind only Travis Head’s 379 for the series.
- Innovative Tactic: Keeper standing up to pacemen.
- Major Effect: Stops England’s batters from advancing down the wicket.
- Bowling Adaptation: Boland admits initial unease with the setup.
- Built on Trust: Partnership between bowler and keeper is essential.
- Proven Success: A key factor in Australia’s dominant Ashes performance.
