No rest for the ‘wicky’: Carey shines again

Alex Carey continued his blistering start to the season with the bat to help South Australia to the top of the One-Day Cup table with a six-wicket win over New South Wales.

The Australian Test keeper overcame a nasty blow to the throat early in his innings to peel off 75 from 63 balls in the Redbacks’ successful chase of 197 at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday.

Carey was given an early reprieve when debutant Lachlan Shaw grassed a difficult chance at cover in the fourth over, but took only 39 balls to bring up his half-century to continue his impressive recent form with the bat.

WA keeper Josh Inglis’ own batting form and subsequent call-up to the Test squad as a reserve has kept the pressure on Carey, but the left-hander has had an answer at every turn this summer.

His 75 took him to 569 runs at 71.13 in all formats for the Redbacks, after he posted consecutive half-centuries for Australia against England in September’s away ODI series.

Carey was captaining the Redbacks despite the controversial resting of Test batters Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne from Sunday’s ODI series decider against Pakistan in Perth.

He was not picked in the one-day squad alongside Inglis despite both playing together in England.

Chris Green claimed Carey’s wicket to leave the Redbacks 4-106, but Jake Lehmann (46) and man of the match Liam Scott (42 and 2-31) came together to steer them home for a second consecutive bonus point victory.

It took South Australia to the top of the standings with a 3-1 record, but the other sides had a game in hand.

Scott took the key wickets of Nic Maddinson and Sam Konstas, who batted at three, while Jason Sangha bowled Josh Philippe with a full, looping delivery.

The Redbacks legspinner was unable to complete his spell though when he aborted his approach and clutched at his right bicep, before having it bandaged on the sidelines.