This unconventional strategy has proved crucial for the Australians in their triumph this season, but paceman Scott Boland has admitted it has not always been straightforward – both for his ego and his length – to have wicketkeeper Alex Carey stand up at the stumps.
“Because I’ve never really had it before, I just didn’t really feel at ease with it,” he said. “I know everyone wants to be a ‘quick’ bowler, and you don’t really want to see the keeper up to the stumps, but I’ve seen over the last month how impactful it is.”
Carey’s closeness to the wickets off the fast bowling of Boland, as well as Michael Neser in the second Test, has stopped England’s batters from stepping out of the crease – a fundamental part in their pre-series plan to disrupt Australia’s bowlers.
A Tactical Tweak
The tactic has secured important wickets, but beyond the statistics it has been identified as an important reason England have not been able to assert their game plan on the series. And it is only possible due to Carey’s expertise with the gloves.
Ahead of the MCG Test, Boland said the modification has been an adaptation for him and something of a blow to his ego, given he is one of the best fast bowlers in the country and usually bowls close to 140km/h.
“Historically when I’ve had the keeper up at the back, I haven’t felt that at ease and you end up bowling a little bit fuller, but I’ve got full trust in Cares that if I hit my usual length... he’s got amazing hands.”
A Plan Years in the Making
Head coach Andrew McDonald first raised the idea 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.
The wicketkeeper stated after the Gabba Test he does not practise the technique given the risk involved, but it has proven an trump card for the Australians in neutralizing England’s aggression.
Overcoming Early Targeting
Boland was targeted during the 2023 Ashes, and said England “came hard” at him during the initial batting effort of the first Test in Perth, where he was without a wicket in 10 overs.
Skipper Pat Cummins and acting captain Steve Smith have been content to let the pair determine when and when not to employ the strategy.
“The best thing 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, ‘nah, I want to come up...’ then I’ll back his judgment.”
Looking Ahead for the MCG
Boland has overcome a hip complaint and is set to play at the MCG on December 26th. Meanwhile, Carey’s glovework this summer has been accompanied by excellence with the bat. His run tally are behind only Travis Head’s 379 for the series.
- Innovative Tactic: Keeper standing up to fast bowlers.
- Key Impact: Prevents England’s batters from advancing down the wicket.
- Personal Adjustment: Boland admits initial discomfort with the setup.
- Reliant on Confidence: Partnership between bowler and keeper is crucial.
- Effective Result: A significant factor in Australia’s commanding Ashes performance.
