Ashes 2021-22: Alex Carey leapfrogs Rishabh Pant to take most catches on Test debut

Australia wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey had a Test match debut to remember in the first Ashes Test against England in Brisbane. The southpaw took a staggering eight catches and became the first player to accomplish this feat in Test cricket. Carey went past India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who had taken seven catches on his Test debut

The 30-year-old got to the landmark on Day 4 of the first Test when he managed to take a smart catch of Chris Woakes off the bowling of Cameron Green.

Carey took three catches in the first inning and bettered his performance in the following inning by pouching five behind the stumps. The southpaw also went past the likes of England’s Chris Read and Australia’s Brain Taber, who had also taken seven catches on their respective Test debuts.

Speaking about the Ashes Test, the hosts made a strong comeback on Day 4 and bundled out England for just 297. It was an anti-climactic end to visitors’ innings, who began the day on 220 for two. Australia bowlers were right on the money, with off-spinner Nathan Lyon managing to dismiss Dawid Malan for 82 to start England’s downfall.

It was Lyon’s 400th wicket and he became the 17th player to achieve the landmark in Test cricket. Later, all-rounder, Chris Green managed to get a big wicket of England skipper Joe Root for 89. From there on, none of the England batters could contribute much with the bat. Australia needed just 20 runs to win which they wiped off without much fuss, with just one wicket down.

After some criticism on Day 3 for his captaincy, Cummins was spot on with his tactics and plans on Day 4.

In the post-match conference, the Australian skipper lauded the performance of the team and termed it a complete performance. “A lot of things did go right. So someone was smiling at me. I’m really proud of everyone, I thought it was a really complete performance,” said Pat Cummins, making his debut as Australia Test skipper.