On Day 2 of the second Test in Galle, Alex Carey smashed an incredible century against Sri Lanka, making him the second Australian wicketkeeper to get a Test hundred in Asia. Carey after reaching his hundred in just 118 balls became the second Australian wicketkeeper to reach the big milestone and joined the list with Adam Gilchrist. During his career, Gilchrist amassed four hundred in Asia.
Carey's historic century
This was Carey's first Test century since December 2022 and his second overall. The Australians were struggling at 91 for 3 after losing Usman Khawaja when the 33-year-old entered the batting order in the 25th over of the game. Kusal Mendis hit 85 and was not out earlier in the day, but Sri Lanka was swept out for 257. Before being held back by the wickets of Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, the Australians made a strong start.
Carey had a cautious start and was soon placed under pressure by the Sri Lankan spinners. In the upcoming overs, he would gradually loosen up by hitting boundaries off Ramesh Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva. As the visitors began to rally, he would smash Mendis for a six to provide his innings with much-needed impetus. Australia went into tea without losing any more wickets, thanks to the calm play of Smith and Carey at the crease. As soon as the game resumed, Carey, who was at 49 at the moment, swiftly reached his fifty.
When Carey entered the game, the Sri Lankan spinners quickly applied pressure but as the runs began to pour in at Galle, Carey rapidly began to shift gears after reaching his fifty off 69 balls. Smith scored his 36th Test century at the same time as Carey and Smith reached their 150-run partnership. Carey's bat produced a few more brilliant strokes, and he skillfully reached his hundred by sweeping Prabath Jayasuriya to the boundary.
Carey did come dangerously close to being run out due to a mix-up. Since then, however, as Australia has consolidated their position in the game, the wicketkeeper has taken the initiative. As Australia reached stumps with a 73-run lead and 330 runs scored at the expense of three wickets, Carey was still undefeated at 139.