'He can win us a lot of games' - Delhi Capitals' head coach Ricky Ponting reveals what he expects from Alex Carey in IPL 2020

If there is one cricketer whose reputation that increased by leaps and bounds in the past 10-12 months, one of the prime contenders for it has got to be Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey. Carey, courtesy hi precious batting talent, immaculate wicketkeeping skills, and a cool-and-calm demeanour, has earned himself a lot of plaudits for his performances in the past year-or-so.

The southpaw, whose temperament has constantly been likened to the legendary Mike Hussey, was recently racked up by the Ricky Ponting-led Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League Auctions. The southpaw has played a plethora of crucial knocks when his side needed it the most in the past 12 months and his ice-cool attitude at times of adversity is what attracted Head coach Ricky Ponting and the Delhi Capitals’ management.

Carey, who is currently leading the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League and the tearaway wicketkeeper batsmen has proven to be the bedrock of his sides’ batting unit at the all-important No.4 position. Coming in at 2-89 in the Strikers’ last game against Perth Scorchers, Carey played some outrageous shots- none better than the back-to-back nonchalant chips over deep-extra cover off Ashton Agar- and compiled a 24-ball 55. 

Ricky Ponting regards Alex Carey as a match-winner

Delhi has struggled with their middle-order in the past with the likes of Colin Ingram failing to produce consistent performances, and heading into the auction, they needed to address that issue. And, Ponting who was watching Carey’s onslaught from the commentary box, wants the southpaw to play exactly the same role for DC.

“This role that he’s playing now is the exact reason he became so appealing to me and the Delhi Capitals. He’s a good player of spin, and he’s got such a good cricket brain and a sensible head on his shoulders that I feel he’ll be able to get us across the line in a lot of games (next) year. And also if we have an injury to our current wicketkeeper, Rishabh Pant, then obviously he can fill that role nicely for us as well.” Ricky Ponting was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

Meanwhile, Carey, who is yet to feature in the IPL, is very excited at the prospect of making his debut in the cash-rich league. “I can’t wait,” he said. “I’ve got a big smile on my face thinking about it. It’s one of those tournaments you really want to be part of, as is the Big Bash, and I see those as probably the big two in the world,” Carey added.

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