Alex Carey cops sledge from wife after historic century in Boxing Day Test

Alex Carey's wife Eloise has paid a lovely tribute to her husband after his historic century in the Boxing Day Test on Wednesday, before taking a cheeky and hilarious jab at him. Carey became the first Australian wicket-keeper to score a century in a Boxing Day Test, making 111 in a brilliant display at the MCG.

He also became the second Australian wicket-keeper after Rod Marsh to score a ton in a Test at the MCG, although Marsh's wasn't in a Boxing Day Test. Carey's heroics helped Australia post a total of 8-575 before reducing South Africa to 1-15 at stumps on day three.

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Speaking to Triple M radio after her husband reached triple figures, Eloise Carey was asked how Alex had prepared for the Boxing Day Test given the hype and tradition around it. When asked if he'd been nervous in the build-up, Eloise said he'd been his normal self. However she joked: "He could be doing more with the kids."

Eloise went on to explain how Alex had gotten up at 5am with their children on Boxing Day and let her have a sleep in, joking that he'd have to continue the trend given it resulted in his maiden Test century. Speaking to Channel 9, Eloise was over the moon for her husband.

"It's been a huge, huge day and it's just really exciting for everyone, for the whole family," she said. "It's one of those things you kind of never expect to happen. You hope it's going to happen.

"It's been a huge day. Still a bit nervous, as you can probably tell. Emotions are high."

Carey finally broke through for his first Test century for Australia in his 14th match. The former AFL player is cashing in after switching sports after being drafted by the GWS Giants.

"I met him when he was unemployed, or working for a financial planning firm," Eloise explained. "He wasn't doing any sport. He was home too much and now it's gone the other way - he's always gone.

"To be honest, I thought it was a good idea because it's a lot safer than football. I was always never really on board with AFL because they all get injured so often.

"I thought, 'Well, cricket is safe, so give that a go'. Maybe not too safe after this week given the injuries (to Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc), the poor boys."

Eloise was full of emotion as she explained what Carey's milestone meant. She said: "He's worked so hard. There's been so many people involved. His parents would have loved to be here today. My family has been so supportive.

"It takes a lot for someone to get to this point in their career. There's a lot of people behind the scenes. He's always been the first person at training and the last person to leave. He works hard.

"He's so deserving of this. Very proud. You can't imagine your husband making a century in the Boxing Day Test."

Australia clinch series victory over South Africa

Carey was out for 111 off 149 balls when he hit an easy caught-and-bowled opportunity to giant Proteas paceman Marco Jansen. Australia soon declared at 8-575 - the sixth-highest innings total at the MCG - giving them a first-innings lead of 386.

The Proteas then lost Dean Elgar for a duck in the second over to opposing captain Pat Cummins. The visitors resumed on Thursday at 1-15, still requiring another 371 to make Australia bat again in the Boxing Day Test.

However they were bowled out for 204 shortly before tea, handing Australia victory by an innings and 182 runs. With an unassailable 2-0 lead, the Aussies have clinched their first series win over South Africa on home soil in 17 years.

with AAP

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