Two wicketkeepers? Carey keen to ‘co-exist’ with Inglis in Test side beyond Sri Lanka series

Could Australia return to having two keepers in the side?

The national selectors may have a new conundrum on their hands, with several batters putting on strong performances during the two-Test series in Sri Lanka.

Despite the dominance of the Australian side in Galle, the selectors have many headscratchers when it comes to the make-up of the side. Marnus Labuschange continues to misfire, and Travis Head has made it clear he does not plan to have a lengthy stay as an opener.

Then, of course, there is the inevitable return of Cameron Green hanging in the background.

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However, a new issue has emerged in the form of whether Australia will revert to having two wicketkeeper batters in the side – with Josh Inglis and Alex Carey putting forward a compelling case for their positions, the former scoring 102 in the first Test and Carey leading the charge alongside Steve Smith in the second Test, resuming at 139* today.

While having two wicketkeeper-batters is not unusual in the Australian set-up (with Matthew Wade playing alongside Carey for several years), whether the side wants to return to that set-up does open up more questions as to the makeup of the middle-order – especially with Head indicating he wishes to return down the order.

Add in June’s World Test Championship Final on the horizon, it is a question the selectors will have to address sooner rather than later – but speaking following his unbroken 239-run stand with Smith yesterday, Carey believes there is a spot for Inglis in the side.

“He’s (Inglis) playing really well. He’s a great batsman,” Carey said.

“I feel like if I can continue to improve as well and play as long as possible, and we’ve done it in white ball cricket as well, I think we can certainly co-exist.

“We both know our roles in the team and trying to play them both as best we can.”

Josh Inglis celebrates with Alex Carey in Galle, Sri Lanka. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

While Inglis would likely fit in well as a specialist batter, Carey would likely stop short of his counterpart replacing him as the side’s gloveman, with Smith backing up the incumbent keeper to keep his position for the WTC Final.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s his job,” said Smith clarified ahead of the second Test.

“From my point of view, I think he’s keeping as well as I’ve ever seen him keep.

“He’s batting beautifully too.”

Smith (120*) and Carey will resume affairs for Australia this afternoon in Galle, with the visitors starting day three at 3/330 and holding a 73-run lead over Sri Lanka – and will likely aim to push for another big score to put the visitors hopes of salvaging a result beyond doubt.

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