Alex Carey a hybrid of Michael Hussey & Michael Bevan, says an impressed Steve Waugh

One of Australia’s rich legacies in cricket has been wicket-keeping. From Rodney Marsh to Ian Healy to Adam Gilchrist, there has been no dearth of big names. Currently, the tradition bearer is Alex Carey and former captain Steve Waugh is impressed with the 27-year-old. The former World Cup-winning captain is so impressed with the wicketkeeper-batsman that he even complimented him as a hybrid of Michael Hussey and Michael Bevan.

Carey, who made his international career in January last year at home, has scored 602 runs in 26 ODIs at an average of 35.41. The 27-year-old, who is playing his first World Cup in England and Wales, hit his first half-ton at the mega event when he remained unbeaten on 55 off just 35 balls against India but in the losing cause. The Loxton born’s intent impressed the observers. The former Aussie skipper is also among them and he feels Carey’s game speaks of a mixture of calmness and intent.

“Another to impress has been Alex Carey who is a hybrid of Michael Hussey and Michael Bevan,” Cricket.com.au quoted the 54-year-old senior Waugh as saying. Steve was the captain of the Australian side that had won the World Cup in England in 1999 after coming back from the brink of an ouster.

“Carey plays with the perfect mixture of calmness and intent, assessing the situation and pouncing on any opportunities that present themselves in the frenetic pressure of the final overs. He shapes as a potential match-winner for Australia in the back end of the competition.”

Praises go from former skipper to current captain

Steve also praised current Australian captain Aaron Finch who took over the reins of the ODI late last year from Tim Paine. Finch returned to his personal form during the Pakistan series in March and has been in great nick in this World Cup, having scored two centuries already. The Australian opening partnership of Finch and David Warner has been one of their high points in this World Cup.

“He (Finch) is at the top of his game right now; mentally tough, technically sound, focused and trusting in his judgment of line and length. He is leading the charge and allowing others the freedom to relax and play their own way,” Waugh said. Australia are the first team in the fray to have qualified for the semi-finals. They will next take on New Zealand at Lord’s on Saturday.