Alex Carey becomes 4th Australian wicketkeeper to score an Ashes century, 1st in 12 years to achieve the feat

Australia’s Alex Carey scripted history on Day 1 of the third Ashes 2025-26 Test at Adelaide Oval. On December 17, Carey became the fourth Australian wicketkeeper in Ashes history to score a century and second to do it in Adelaide.

Carey on list of legendary wicketkeepers

Carey is the first Australian wicketkeeper to reach three figures in an Ashes innings since Brad Haddin in 2013. Haddin had scored 118 runs against England on December 5, 2013.

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Haddin has three Ashes Test centuries, the same as Adam Gilchrist. The first Australian wicketkeeper to achieve this feat was Ian Healy in 1993. Healy has two Ashes Test centuries to his name.

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Overall, Haddin is the 10th wicketkeeper to score an Ashes century. The previous instance of a gloveman scoring a century in the Ashes was in 2017 when Jonny Bairstow scored 119 at the WACA, Perth, on December 14 in a losing cause.

Carey, Khawaja rescue Australia

Carey walked in to bat in the 25th over after Jofra Archer struck twice to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green. Carey rescued Australia alongside Usman Khawaja. From 94/4, they shared an 89-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Khawaja, who was a last-minute addition after Steve Smith was ruled out due to vertigo symptoms, scored a gritty 82 off 126 balls.

Then Carey and Inglis shared a 59-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Inglis contributed with a 39-ball 32. Fit-again skipper Pat Cummins scored 13 runs from 19 balls.

Carey departs after century

Carey reached his third Test century from 135 balls in the 73rd over of the innings. He dedicated his maiden Ashes century to his father who died in September 2025 of Leukemia. His wife was in tears as Carey soaked in the applause from the crowd at Adelaide Oval (56,298 in attendance).

Carey could not continue and lost his wicket to Will Jacks in the 78th over. He went for the sweep but managed a top edge. Jamie Smith took an easy catch to break the partnership. The southpaw departed after scoring 106 runs from 143 balls, including eight fours and a six. Carey and Starc shared a 50-run partnership for the eighth wicket.

At the end of Day 1, Australia posted 326/8. Starc remained unbeaten for 33 off 63 balls. On the other end, Lyon is yet to get off the mark after facing 18 deliveries.