In the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford, the pressure seemed to get the better of Alex Carey, the Australian wicket-keeper, as he made a costly error that allowed England’s Ben Stokes a second chance. In the first session of Day 3, England’s Stokes and Harry Brook were capitalizing on their advantageous position, with the Australian fielders missing several opportunities to break their partnership.
However, it was Carey’s blunder that stole the spotlight. During the 74th over of the innings, Stokes struck a fullish delivery through the covers, and a quick double was attempted. Substitute fielder Michael Neser collected the ball and threw it back towards Carey, who had a chance to run out Brook.
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Unfortunately, Alex Carey failed to gather the ball in his gloves and missed the run-out opportunity. The momentary lapse in concentration prevented the visitors from even appealing for dismissal.
Upon reviewing the replays, it was evident that although Carey had dropped the ball, it had rolled onto the stumps simultaneously as he disturbed the bails with his hands. This indicated that Stokes could have been dismissed even with the fumble. However, since no appeal was made, the decision was not referred to the third umpire.
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As the match progresses, both teams will be looking to capitalize on every opportunity, and such moments of pressure will test the players’ nerves and skills. For Alex Carey, it was a bitter lesson in the unforgiving nature of cricket, where small lapses can have significant consequences.
— Octopus Yadav (@OctopusYadav) July 21, 2023
Twitterati was quick to react to the costly mistake from Alex Carey, expressing their frustration on social media. The error had potential implications for the outcome of the match, and fans were left stunned by the wicket-keeper’s slip-up at such a crucial juncture.
Not the first time Alex Carey has shown poor hand eye coordination (leaving barbers without paying for haircut)
— Y (@tinscognito__) July 21, 2023
Feel for Alex Carey. Looks shot to pieces after his gamesmanship at Lord’s. Just botched a simple run out chance to get rid of Stokes. Stick to dodgy stumpings.
— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) July 21, 2023
Alex Carey you just fumbled the ashes!!
— ⛷️ (@stokaljona) July 21, 2023
The most costly Alex Carey mistake with the gloves since he dropped Moeen at Hove in the T20 quarter final
— Joe (@joeross00) July 21, 2023
Alex Carey: karma.
Obviously unaffected by public reaction 😂— Simon Myerson KC (@SCynic1) July 21, 2023
Alex Carey, you’ve just missed run outed the Ashes
— t_om_s (@T_om_s) July 21, 2023
Alex Carey has done everything wrong after this. pic.twitter.com/DXaJE5ydDq
— JayGawas (@JayGawas14) July 21, 2023
