Alex Carey’s controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow riled up an entire nation, but it seems England can at least see a humourous side to it now.
Carey became public enemy No.1 in England when he threw down Bairstow’s stumps in the 2023 Ashes at Lord’s after the batter had strolled out of his crease thinking the over had finished.
The controversial incident sparked conversations about whether Australia were following the spirit of the game, further fuelling what was already a heated Ashes rivalry.
But with just days to go until the first Ashes Test in Perth, it seems both Australia and England were more than happy to play down the significance of the incident.
England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith was less than 100m away from the green-tinged Perth Stadium wicket when he fielded a question about whether he had thought about what he would do in the same situation.
“Absolutely not,” he said, before joking: “I think out here with the pace and bounce, I’d be too far back to actually hit the stumps.
“In the white-ball game, I’m useless at it, so I wouldn’t even hit the stumps anyway.”
The Perth chapter of the Barmy Army have promised not to hurl abuse at Carey or even boo him during the first Test.
“That’s nice of them. I don’t know if that will stand for the whole series,” Carey said with a smile.
Whether the travelling English Barmy Army contingent will follow suit is doubtful, but Carey said Ashes series were all about heroes and villains.
“I think Ashes series growing up watching, you’ve got your heroes, you’ve got your villains – depends which side of the fence you sit on,” Carey said.
“And that’s what makes it so special, is that we’ve got amazing Australian fans supporting us, and you’ve got English fans supporting them, and whatever it looks like in between it makes for great viewing.
“I’m excited. Whatever it looks like for the whole group, not just myself, it should be amazing.”
As Cameron Green prepares to bowl in a Test match for the first time in almost two years, Australia won’t be holding back their prized allrounder.
While there remains uncertainty about his batting position, Green will be unleashed with the ball when the Ashes gets underway on Friday at Perth Stadium.
The 26-year-old didn’t play a Test for more than a year after undergoing back surgery.
After a minor setback last month, Green is back as a genuine allrounder for the Ashes following a successful 16 overs, eight in each innings, in Western Australia’s thrilling Sheffield Shield win against Queensland last week.
“It’s been a really slow build-up,” Green said on Tuesday.
“Probably would prefer a few more competitive overs.
“But at the same time, it’s a double-edged sword, you come into a series so fresh.
“Especially for a five-Test series, you want to be as fresh as you can by the back end.”
When asked if there was a limit on the number of overs he could bowl against England, Green replied: “No restrictions”.
“When you get into Test cricket, there’s no need for restrictions, just see how the game goes.
“I’d be happy to put my hand up whenever.”
After moving up to No.4 as a result of David Warner ending his Test career in January 2024, Green slotted in one spot higher when returning this year.
But with Marnus Labuschagne certain to regain the spot he lost for the tour of the Caribbean, Australia selectors could shift Green back to No.6 where he started his Test career.
A decision on Australia’s XI could come as soon as Tuesday night.
“I’m just so grateful that they see me as someone who could do all those positions,” Green said.
“I’ve moved around quite a bit in the Test team.
“Probably how good the coaching staff is that they make you feel really secure regardless of where you’re playing, and regardless if you get moved around.
“Very fortunate that they think that way about me, but happy to bat anywhere.”
If Green is back at No.6, then it will mean a Test debut for adopted Tasmania opener Jake Weatherald.
South Australia quick Brendan Doggett will almost certainly be given his first baggy green following a hamstring injury to Josh Hazlewood.
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