The unconventional tactic has shown to be crucial for the Australians in their Ashes victory this summer, but fast bowler Scott Boland has confessed it has not always been straightforward – both for his self-perception and his line and length – to have gloveman Alex Carey stand up at the stumps.
“Because I’ve never really had it before, I just didn’t really feel comfortable with it,” he said. “I know everyone wants to be a ‘fast’ bowler, and you don’t really like 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, alongside Michael Neser in the Perth Test, has prevented England’s batters from standing out of the crease – a fundamental part in their pre-series plan to unsettle Australia’s bowlers.
A Strategic Adjustment
The ploy has delivered important wickets, but beyond the figures it has been singled out 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 Boxing Day Test, Boland said the modification has been an adjustment for him and a bit of a blow to his ego, considering he is one of the best pacemen in the country and typically bowls around 140km/h.
“Previously 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 shorter, but I’ve got complete faith in Cares that if I hit my normal length... he’s got exceptional 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 over two years for it to fully come to fruition.
The wicketkeeper revealed after the Gabba Test he does not practise the technique given the risk involved, but it has proven an ace up the sleeve for the Australians in neutralizing England’s attacking intent.
Overcoming Initial Pressure
Boland was targeted during the 2023 Ashes, and said England attacked aggressively at him during the initial batting effort of the first Test in Perth, where he was without a wicket in 10 overs.
Captain Pat Cummins and acting captain Steve Smith have been content to let the pair decide when and when not to employ the approach.
“The best thing about that is we’d speak every couple of overs... if he’s feeling that it’s better off being back, then I trust him. If he’s like, ‘nah, I want to come up...’ then I’ll support his call.”
Looking Ahead for the MCG
Boland has recovered from a hip complaint and is likely to play at the MCG on December 26th. Meanwhile, Carey’s glovework this summer has been paired by excellence with the bat. His 267 runs are behind only Travis Head’s 379 for the series.
- Innovative Tactic: Close-in wicketkeeping to pacemen.
- Major Effect: Stops England’s batters from advancing down the wicket.
- Bowling Adaptation: Boland notes initial unease with the setup.
- Reliant on Confidence: Understanding between bowler and keeper is crucial.
- Proven Success: A significant factor in Australia’s dominant Ashes performance.
