Add CategoryHe’d only faced a few balls but already Alex Carey had looked more assured than any other Aussie batsman as he set about rebuilding his side’s innings following a catastrophic start to its World Cup semi-final against England — until one ball changed all that.
The English quicks were sensational early, reducing Australia to 3/14 in the seventh over as they bowled with serious pace and deadly accuracy. After dismissing Aaron Finch, David Warner and Peter Handscomb, Jofra Archer landed the first really painful blow that wasn’t represented on the scoreboard.
A revelation for England at this tournament, Archer pinged Carey in the jaw with a searing short ball that was simply too quick for the Aussie gloveman to do anything about. The absolute rip-snorter snuck under Carey’s right arm as he tried to fend the bouncer away and clattered into his helmet.
Then things got weird. The Kookaburra was travelling so fast it knocked Carey’s helmet clean off his head but some quick thinking from the South Australian averted potential disaster.
As it tumbled behind him, he turned and caught it with his left hand, ensuring it didn’t drop onto the stumps and ruin the Aussies’ day even further.
Carey kept his cool to protect his place at the crease but the blow rattled him. He called immediately to the dressing room and blood was oozing out of a cut on his chin where his grille has slapped against his skin.
England players went to Carey’s side immediately after the scary knock but some on social media noticed Archer wasn’t among the group showing any sympathy.
Play was stopped for several minutes as Carey had his cut patched up but after smelling blood, England had now drawn it.
At the end of the 13th over, Australia’s medical staff were out on the ground again to tend to Carey’s wound. A Band-Aid wasn’t going to cut it so the doctor wrapped a bandage around his entire head, making Carey look like he belonged on a rugby field rather than a cricket pitch.
BBC commentator Jonathan Agnew said: “I haven’t seen this ever happen before I don’t think.”
Carey was promoted to No. 5 as a reward for his stellar run of recent form. He’s been vital for the Aussies in the lower order, scoring 85, 71 and 38 not out in his past three innings at No. 7.
He eventually holed out in the deep to Adil Rashid after making 46 off 70 deliveries and combining with Steve Smith to get Australia somewhat back in the match.
The Aussies were desperate for another Carey rescue mission after being rocked by a new ball onslaught. Finch was LBW first ball, wasting a review after the umpire raised his finger when Archer struck him on the pad to start the second over.
Warner was next to go, edging Chris Woakes behind to first slip after belting a boundary down the ground and Handscomb’s short stay at the crease in his World Cup debut was an absolute nightmare.
Replacing the injured Usman Khawaja, the right-hander played and missed several times before being bowled for a scratchy four.