Australian wicket-keeper Alex Carey started with a bang, taking 8 catches in his debut test match.
Already an experienced pro
Carey made his test debut for Australia not under the most perfect circumstances. Former captain Tim Paine first decided to step down from captaincy and then made himself unable for the indefinite future due to some controversial reports doing the rounds in the media.
As a result, Carey was parachuted right before the beginning of the first test match at the Gabba in Brisbane.
Having played more than 80 one day internationals for Australia and having led the ODI team in three matches, Carey is not new to international cricket but a test match is a completely different beast altogether.
The wicket keeper who has quite a calm head on his shoulders did not appear rattled as he was impeccable behind wickets and took 8 catches in his debut test match in Brisbane.
A confident man
This is what Alexa Carey had to say about his debut test match.
"I've got lots of confidence in my game," Carey said. "I guess playing a little bit of white-ball cricket for Australia helps that. Once the bowler is running in, I focus on the ball and that is the same with the bat. Obviously your first Test you've got a bit going through your mind. It didn't take me too long I guess to get into the rhythm. Probably a few overs and then we're playing cricket again. It was great fun. I guess as a wicketkeeper you're only going to get judged on catches taken or catches dropped."
Lyon's appreciation
Senior bowler Nathan Lyon also appreciated Carey's skills and his routine in the lead-up to the match.
"I think it's been an absolutely incredible debut," Lyon said. "I'm not surprised by it. I've watched him train in the lead-up and his preparation has been world-class. He's obviously played a lot of white-ball cricket for Australia and our relationship is only going to get bigger and better and stronger. He's coming down on the early bus with me to catch in the nets. To debut at the Gabba in an Ashes series and take eight catches, we're pretty proud of him."
Carey could not do anything extraordinary with the bat in the first test match but made a crucial half century in the 2nd test to play an important role in the team's victory in Adelaide.
