Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy has ripped into “pathetic commentary” during the second Test match against Pakistan.
Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy has called out “pathetic commentary” during the Karachi Test between Pakistan and Australia, suggesting Alex Carey’s glovework hasn’t received the plaudits it deserves.
After making his Test debut in December, Carey copped some criticism for his inconsistent wicketkeeping during the recent Ashes series on home soil.
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The South Australian put down a couple of regulation chances during the SCG New Year’s Test in January before spilling a catch against Nathan Lyon’s bowling in Rawalpindi last week.
Carey failed to take a catch or make a stumping during the Benaud-Qadir Trophy series opener, becoming the first Australian wicketkeeper to achieve the unwanted feat in 13 years.
But the 30-year-old redeemed himself in Karachi this week, compiling a career-best score of 93 in the first innings before claiming two catches in the field.
Carey also saved dozens of runs by frantically diving down the leg-side, preventing a handful of wayward Mitchell Starc deliveries from sailing away for four byes.
Healy, who donned the gloves for Australia for 119 Tests and 168 ODIs, vented his frustration at the commentators for not praising Carey’s efforts on day three, where the Aussie pacemen were unearthing plenty of reverse swing.
“I’m quite annoyed about something I saw yesterday,” he told SEN’s Pat and Heals on Tuesday.
“The commentary was very, very underwhelming and very distracted. For mine, when the ball went past the bat, that’s when they stopped watching.
“Some of the takes of Alex Carey when you’re wicketkeeping to Mitchell Starc swinging the ball late were unbelievable and never ever mentioned – it was pathetic commentary.
“Down the leg side, swinging fast, bouncing in front of the keeper, he’s moving his feet well at times, he’s diving well at times, he’s coping with balls that have bounced in front of him, and he was clean as a whistle – and they weren’t giving him anything.
“When he’s having a clean, skilful, tough day and making it look easy, I want it noticed. You know what will happen, he’ll put one down and they’ll criticise him.
“They’ll forget all the good work that was done yesterday following up his 93 with the bat.”
The commentary team in Pakistan includes Mike Haysman, former Australian batter Simon Katich and Pakistan legend Waqar Younis.
Carey has scored 295 runs in seven Tests for Australia, averaging 26.81 with the bat.
He broke the all-time record for most dismissals by a wicketkeeper on Test debut in December, claiming eight catches against England at the Gabba.
Last week, Carey went viral after falling into the pool of his Karachi hotel, with Test captain Pat Cummins capturing the hilarious moment on camera.