Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey produced one of the most emotional and defining innings of his Test career on Wednesday, scoring a magnificent century in front of his home crowd during the third Ashes Test against England at the Adelaide Oval. The knock not only pulled Australia out of deep trouble but also doubled as a heartfelt tribute to his late father, Gordon Carey, with Alex pointing skyward after reaching three figures.
For Carey, an Adelaide native, the moment carried enormous personal weight. His father passed away in September, and with close family members watching from the stands, emotions threatened to spill over as he raised his bat.
“I tried not to tear up, but I did,” Alex Carey admitted after stumps. “Having my mum, brother, sister and the kids here made it incredibly special. Dad played the biggest role in my cricket journey. He coached me right through my early years and even later on, he never stopped guiding me.”
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Carey revealed that his father remained a constant source of advice, even as he progressed to the highest level. “He would message me, telling me to keep things simple and put the reverse sweep away. He was hard on me, but it always came from love. Today wasn’t just special for me — it was special for our whole family.”
“That one is for you dad!”
A wonderful moment as the hometown hero Alex Carey brings up 100.#Ashes | #PlayoftheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/aEdfwRedz5
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 17, 2025
The century arrived at a critical moment for Australia, who had endured a disastrous start after opting to bat first. The hosts were already on the back foot before a ball was bowled, with Steve Smith ruled out due to vertigo-related symptoms.
England’s fast bowlers capitalised immediately. Jofra Archer struck early, removing Jake Weatherald and Travis Head before dismissing Marnus Labuschagne. Brydon Carse then added to Australia’s woes by sending Cameron Green back for a duck, leaving the home side in serious trouble.
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Usman Khawaja, drafted in as Smith’s late replacement, played a vital supporting role alongside Carey. The pair rebuilt the innings, with Khawaja compiling a composed 82 before falling to Will Jacks. Josh Tongue dismissed Josh Inglis, while Carse accounted for skipper Pat Cummins.
Carey’s eventual dismissal for a superb 106 brought an end to a defiant, momentum-shifting innings. With Australia already leading the series 2–0, his emotionally charged century has put the hosts firmly on course to seal the Ashes in Adelaide — powered by grit, class, and a deeply personal tribute.
