Alex Carey joins Adam Gilchrist with Test century in Asia
What's the story
Alex Carey has become the second Australian wicketkeeper to score a Test hundred in Asia.
He accomplished the feat on the second day of the ongoing 2nd Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
The century, which came off just 118 balls, is Carey's second in his Test career and first since December 2022.
This makes him the second Australian after Adam Gilchrist to score a century on Asian soil in Tests.
Here's more.
Stats
Maiden century for Carey on Asian soil and 2nd overall
Carey finished Day 2 of the 2nd Test on an unbeaten 139 from 156 balls. He slammed 13 fours and two sixes.
Carey has shared a sublime 239*-run stand alongside Steve Smith for the 4th wicket, thwarting the Lankans.
In 39 matches, Carey owns 1,740 runs in Tests at 35.51. This is now his best Test score.
He owns two tons and 9 fifties.
As per ESPNcricinfo, Carey has 509 runs in Asia at 46-plus (100s: 1, 50s: 2).
Information
Gilchrist managed 4 tons in Asia
Former Aussie legend Gilchrist finished his Test career with 5,570 runs at 47.60. He smashed 17 tons and 26 fifties. Notably, he scored 821 runs from 25 innings (15 matches) on Asian soil. He hit 4 tons and 1 half-century.
Match impact
Carey's century boosts Australia's position in Galle Test
Carey's entry to the crease came at a critical juncture for Australia with the team struggling at 91/3 after losing Usman Khawaja.
Despite initial pressure from Sri Lanka's spinners, he gradually found his rhythm and started hitting boundaries off Dhananjaya de Silva and Ramesh Mendis.
His partnership with Smith helped Australia take a commanding position in the match.
Both Carey and Smith used a wide range of shots and used their feet well to counter the hosts.
Match progression
Carey's century propels Australia to lead
Carey's aggressive batting continued post-tea, as he brought up his 50 off 69 balls.
His partnership with Smith produced a 150-run stand, along with Smith's own century.
Carey eventually brought up his hundred by sweeping Prabath Jayasuriya to the boundary.
Despite a near run-out scare, he remained unbeaten on 139 at stumps, helping Australia secure a lead of 73 runs with a total of 330/3.