This unconventional strategy has proved pivotal for the Australians in their Ashes victory this season, but paceman Scott Boland has acknowledged it has not always been straightforward – both for his self-perception and his length – to have wicketkeeper Alex Carey position himself at the stumps.
“Because I’ve never really had it before, I just didn’t really feel comfortable with it,” he said. “I know everyone wants to be a ‘fast’ bowler, and you don’t really want to see the keeper up to the stumps, but I’ve seen over the last month how successful it is.”
Carey’s closeness to the wickets off the fast bowling of Boland, as well as Michael Neser in the second Test, has curtailed England’s batters from standing out of the crease – a fundamental part in their pre-Ashes strategy to disrupt Australia’s bowlers.
A Tactical Tweak
The tactic has yielded important wickets, but beyond the figures it has been identified as an major reason England have not been able to dictate terms on the series. And it is only feasible due to Carey’s skill with the gloves.
Prior to the Boxing Day Test, Boland said the tweak has been an adaptation for him and a bit of a hit to his ego, considering he is one of the best pacemen in the country and typically bowls around 140km/h.
“In the past when I’ve had the keeper up at the back, I haven’t felt that at ease and you end up bowling a little bit shorter, but I’ve got complete faith in Cares that if I hit my usual length... he’s got amazing hands.”
An Idea Years in the Development
Head coach Andrew McDonald first suggested the idea of using the tactic with Boland prior to the last Ashes, but it has taken over two years for it to fully be implemented.
Carey revealed after the Gabba Test he does not train the technique given the risk involved, but it has shown itself to be an trump card for the Australians in countering England’s attacking intent.
Bouncing Back From Early Targeting
Boland was targeted during the 2023 Ashes, and said England “came hard” at him during the initial batting effort of the series opener in Perth, where he was without a wicket in 10 overs.
Skipper Pat Cummins and acting captain Steve Smith have been content to let the pair decide when and when not to deploy the approach.
“The best thing about that is we’d confer every couple of overs... if he’s feeling that it’s better off being back, then I believe him. If he’s like, ‘nah, I want to come up...’ then I’ll back his judgment.”
Looking Ahead for Boxing Day
Boland has overcome a hip complaint and is set to play at the MCG on Boxing Day. Meanwhile, Carey’s wicketkeeping this summer has been paired by excellence with the bat. His 267 runs are behind only Travis Head’s 379 for the series.
- Unorthodox Strategy: Close-in wicketkeeping to fast bowlers.
- Key Impact: Prevents England’s batters from advancing down the wicket.
- Bowling Adaptation: Boland admits initial discomfort with the positioning.
- Reliant on Confidence: Partnership between bowler and keeper is crucial.
- Proven Success: A key factor in Australia’s commanding Ashes performance.
