The innovative tactic has proved crucial for the Australians in their Ashes victory this season, but seamer Scott Boland has admitted it has not always been easy – both for his ego and his length – to have wicketkeeper Alex Carey position himself at the stumps.
“Because I’ve never really had it before, I just didn’t really feel at ease with it,” he said. “I know everyone wants to be a ‘quick’ bowler, and you don’t really want to see the keeper up to the stumps, but I’ve seen over the last month how successful it is.”
Carey’s proximity to the wickets off the fast bowling of Boland, alongside Michael Neser in the Perth Test, has prevented England’s batters from stepping out of the crease – a central plank in their pre-series plan to ruffle Australia’s bowlers.
A Strategic Tweak
The ploy has secured key wickets, but beyond the statistics it has been identified as an important reason England have not been able to impose their will on the series. And it is only feasible due to Carey’s talent with the gloves.
Prior to the MCG Test, Boland said the modification has been an adaptation for him and a bit of a blow to his ego, considering he is one of the best pacemen in the country and usually bowls close to 140km/h.
“In the past 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 fuller, but I’ve got full trust in Cares that if I hit my normal length... he’s got exceptional hands.”
An Idea Years in the Making
Head coach Andrew McDonald first suggested the idea of using the tactic with Boland before the last Ashes, but it has taken over two years for it to fully bear fruit.
Carey revealed after the Brisbane Test he does not train the technique given the danger involved, but it has proven an ace up the sleeve for the Australians in neutralizing England’s aggression.
Overcoming Initial Targeting
Boland was singled out during the 2023 Ashes, and said England attacked aggressively at him during the first innings of the series opener in Perth, where he was without a wicket in 10 overs.
Captain Pat Cummins and stand-in Steve Smith have been content to let the pair determine when and when not to deploy the strategy.
“The best thing about that is we’d confer every few deliveries... if he’s feeling that it’s better off being back, then I believe him. If he’s like, ‘no, I want to come up...’ then I’ll support his judgment.”
On the Horizon for the MCG
Boland has overcome a hip issue and is set to play at the MCG on Boxing Day. Meanwhile, Carey’s glovework this summer has been accompanied by excellence with the bat. His run tally are behind only Travis Head’s 379 for the series.
- Unorthodox Strategy: Keeper standing up to fast bowlers.
- Key Impact: Stops England’s batters from using their feet.
- Personal Adjustment: Boland notes initial unease with the positioning.
- Reliant on Confidence: Understanding between bowler and keeper is crucial.
- Effective Result: A significant factor in Australia’s commanding Ashes performance.
