Adelaide Strikers fast bowler Peter Siddle has backed his teammate and friend Alex Carey for a successful debut Ashes campaign, saying that the wicketkeeper prepares like no one else
Siddle certain Carey will step up to Ashes expectation
Peter Siddle has thrown his full support behind Adelaide Strikers teammate and friend Alex Carey, ahead of the wicketkeeper’s debut in the first Test at the Gabba starting on December 8.
Siddle, who played 67 Test matches for Australia including the 2010-2011 Ashes Series where he took a hat trick on his 26th birthday, is no stranger to the big stage, but feels like Carey’s preparation has stood out from the rest.
“He’ll be suited because he prepares well and is the ultimate professional. He won’t leave anything to chance,” Siddle told reporters on Tuesday.
Carey, who was called up on Thursday to replace Tim Paine with the gloves, has an excellent recent record in the Sheffield Shield for South Australia, averaging 59.64 with the bat including four centuries over nine matches in the last three years.
“He’s got to back his skills and he will perform for Australia,” Siddle said.
“He’s done everything he can since he left footy to have a crack at cricket to do everything he can for South Australia and the Strikers.”
Siddle was quick saying he knows Carey will feel the pressure but ensured that his groundwork will surpass the stress of performing at the highest level in the biggest series of the Australian summer.
“It being an Ashes series, the excitement of waking up and watching those matches when you were little can make you nervous as an adult, but he is a true professional,” Siddle said.
As for Siddle, his focus is solely on his BBL|11 campaign with Adelaide Strikers, with a list shake-up something the 37-year-old says is the refresh they need in the search for their second BBL title.
Look who’s back in the blue 😍 The countdown to #BBL11 is officially on 🙌 pic.twitter.com/5ZfzvE6OJQ— Adelaide Strikers (@StrikersBBL) December 1, 2021
“I’ve played a lot of Victorian cricket with Fawad Ahmed. He’s played for most teams, so he’s ticked that off his list,” Siddle said.
“He’s an exciting leg spinner. And we are ready for that support.”
The loss of Alex Carey means that room has been made for a new generation of Strikers to elevate their game this season.
“It will be a big stand up for the younger guys, like Matty Short, Harry Nielson and (George) Garton from England (maiden BBL season) will all be exciting,” Siddle said.
Entering his seventh BBL season this summer, the veteran still feels excited at the prospect of leading the Strikers to success.
“Christmas has come early for us. I love being here at Adelaide Oval,” Siddle said.
“It’s that time of the year and we just want to get started.”
The Strikers face off against the Melbourne Renegades on Tuesday night at Marvel Stadium.