Alex Carey can see the point of England’s four-day detour to Noosa. The Australian wicketkeeper reckons a brief change of scene should help the tourists “refresh the batteries”, even if the trip has raised a few eyebrows at home and abroad.
“If the media likes to follow certain teams around, that’s totally up to them to do,” Carey said at a junior-cricket clinic in Adelaide. “Look, we’re in a pretty lucky position that we’re playing professional sport and people want to follow the journey.”
England’s players were photographed swimming and having a quiet drink on arrival at the Sunshine Coast resort on Tuesday. Former captain Nasser Hussain questioned the timing in his Athletic column, writing: “I can’t understand England’s schedule for the week ahead.” Carey, though, sounded relaxed.
“I think it’d be a nice holiday,” he smiled. “It’s a pretty big series, with lots of time between games. Touring parties have got to find time to fill in those little windows. I’m not sure you need to do it [but] it’s totally up to the touring groups to find ways to take your mind off cricket for a little bit. The Ashes is very hotly contested. You don’t want to be thinking of cricket every single day of the tour. If you do have a little break, it’s probably not a bad time to refresh the batteries.”
England will train three times in Adelaide before next Thursday’s third Test. Brendon McCullum has already argued his side “over-prepared” for the eight-wicket defeat in Brisbane, so the management’s decision to mix beach time with nets hardly comes out of thin air.
Carey’s own preparation appears on track. He made 63 and claimed seven catches at the Gabba, part of an Australian start that has them 2-0 up and unbeaten in their last 17 home Ashes Tests. Talk of a 5-0 sweep, however, leaves him cold.
“We know England are a very good team. We also understand we were in a position like this a couple of years ago in England,” he reminded. “We weren’t able to win that series, but we were good enough to retain the Ashes. We’re really excited for the opportunity we’ve got, but we understand we’ve got to keep playing good cricket.”
Pat Cummins could strengthen the hosts further. The fast bowler missed Brisbane through a minor side strain but has been named in the squad for Adelaide. Carey would welcome him back without hesitation. “If he is available, no doubt the selectors will put him in,” he said.
Selection remains a talking point for England as well. Graeme Swann wants Josh Tongue and Jacob Bethell involved, while the batting order – bruised by Mitchell Starc and company – still needs shoring up. Australia will monitor the debate but, according to Carey, won’t be distracted by it.
“This playing group has been able to adapt really well, stay really present and again find ways to improve,” he said. “We all know the threats that England pose.”
At this stage, Australia hold all the cards. Yet Carey’s insistence on perspective feels wise. England still have three Tests to fight back, starting once the sunscreen and coffees in Noosa give way to red-ball practice in Adelaide. Whether the mini-break proves an inspired reset or a costly indulgence, both sides will find out soon enough.
