Is Tim Paine’s replacement Alex Carey?

After Tim Paine’s indefinite break from all forms of cricket the 15-man squad’s selectors of Australia was not able to decide on Paine’s replacement but now the wait is over as Australia has replaced Tim Paine with Alex Carey and has announced the squad for the first two Test matches of the five-match Ashes series against England. 

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.

Tim Paine’s replacement Alex Carey is going to make his Test debut as the opener in the Gabba in Brisbane. He has played many white-ball matches and is believed to provide a super strength to the team. Australia’s chairman of selector George Bailey said:

“Alex has been a regular member of the national side in white-ball cricket, particularly in the one-day game. He is an excellent cricketer and a fine individual who will bring many great strengths to the team. He will be a very deserved holder of baggy green cap number 461.”

However, Josh Inglis was one of the major competitions for the left-handed batsman but Carey’s strengths made him fill the wicketkeeper’s place for the first two-Tests in Ashes. 

Showing his gratefulness for the selector’s decision of choosing Carey for the spot, the new wicket-keeper-batsman expressed his gratitude:

“I am incredibly humbled by this opportunity. It’s an exciting build-up to what is a huge series ahead. My focus is on preparing and playing my part in helping Australia secure the Ashes.”

On the other hand, Pat Cummins has been announced 47th Men’s Test Captain of Australia while Steve Smith will be Cummins’ deputy in the Tests.

The Ashes series 2021 will be hosted by Gabba, the two arch-rivals Australia Vs. England will lock their horns on December 8th.