Alex Carey surpasses Gilchrist's record with 156-run knock in Galle
What's the story
Australia's wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey has broken a long-standing record with his brilliant 156-run innings against Sri Lanka in Galle.
Carey's performance is now the highest score by an Australian wicketkeeper in Asia, bettering Adam Gilchrist's previous best.
Carey's superb show of skill and grit came on a turning track, which is notoriously difficult for visiting batters.
Here are further details.
Strategic alliance
Carey's partnership with Smith strengthens Australia's position
Carey walked into the field with Australia at a shaky 91/3 on Day 2. Australia ended the day on 330/3, leading by 73 runs with Steve Smith (120) and Carey (139) at the crease.
On Saturday, the pair added another 20 runs.
After Smith's dismissal, Carey continued his exploits. Australia were 373/6 when Carey perished.
During his 188-ball stay, Carey smashed 15 fours and two sixes employing a mix of sweeps, cuts, and immaculate footwork against the rival attack.
DYK
Carey scripts this record
As per ESPNcricinfo, Carey became the first Aussie keeper to script a 150-plus Test score in Asia.
He went past Gilchrist, who made 144 each in Kandy (2004) and Fatullah (2006).
No other Aussie keeper owns a ton in the continent.
Meanwhile, Carey's 156 is now the fourth-highest score by a non-Asian keeper in Asia.
The southpaw is only behind Zimbabwe's Andy Flower (232* in Nagpur and 183* in Delhi) and SA's AB de Villiers (164 in Dubai).
Stats
Here are his career numbers
Carey's 156 off 188 balls saw him slam 15 fours and two sixes.
In 39 matches, Carey owns 1,757 runs in Tests at 35.14. This is now his best Test score. He owns two tons and 9 fifties.
As per ESPNcricinfo, the southpaw has 526 runs in Asia at 43.83 (100s: 1, 50s: 2).
The Aussie star has raced to 291 Test runs against the Lankans at 97.
Record
Carey joined Adam Gilchrist with Test century in Asia
On Friday, Carey went on to become the second Australian wicketkeeper to score a Test hundred in Asia.
The century, which came off just 118 balls, was Carey's second in his Test career and first since December 2022.
This made him the second Australian after Gilchrist to score a century on Asian soil in Tests.
Gilchrist scored 821 runs from 25 innings (15 matches) on Asian soil. He hit 4 tons and 1 half-century.