Alex Carey produced one of the finest and most composed innings of his Test career, smashing a brilliant 106 off 143 balls on Day 1 of the 3rd Ashes Test 2025-26 at the Adelaide Oval. Walking in when Australia were under pressure at 94/4, Carey rebuilt the innings with maturity, counterattacked when needed, and guided the side past 300 with exceptional shot selection.
This hundred is a reminder of Carey’s ability to absorb pressure in big matches. He stood tall against high-class bowling from Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Ben Stokes and Will Jacks to deliver a memorable Ashes milestone.
Why Alex Carey’s 106 Is So Special
- Came when Australia were struggling at 94/4
- Helped the team reach 322/8 by stumps
- First designated wicketkeeper to score a hundred on Day 1 of an Ashes Test
- Received a standing ovation from the Adelaide crowd
- Showcased perfect balance of calm defence and fearless counterattack
- His wife, Eloise, was seen emotional in the stands during the celebration
Carey now continues to strengthen his spot as one of Australia’s most valuable red-ball players in 2025.
Read Also: Alex Carey Century List in All Formats
Alex Carey’s Century – Full Innings Breakdown
| Detail | Performance |
|---|---|
| Runs | 106 |
| Balls Faced | 143 |
| Fours | 8 |
| Sixes | 1 |
| Strike Rate | 74.13 |
| Partnerships | Added 91 with Khawaja, 59 with Inglis, 27 with Cummins |
| Dismissal | c Jamie Smith b Will Jacks |
| Entry Position | No. 6 |
| Match Situation Upon Arrival | AUS 94/4 |
Carey rotated strike superbly, punished loose balls, and handled the short-ball attack from Stokes and Archer with confidence.
Key Moments From the Century
1. Stabilising the Innings After Collapse
Australia lost 4 wickets for just 94 runs, and Carey was immediately under pressure. His calm presence stopped the collapse.
2. The Counterattack Begins
Once settled, he attacked Will Jacks and Josh Tongue with boundaries and controlled aggression, shifting momentum.
3. Into the Nervous 90s
Carey reached the 90s with controlled singles and a brave cut shot off Stokes.
4. The Century Moment (Overs 72.5)
A beautifully timed cover drive for three runs off Ben Stokes brought up his hundred.
- Crowd stood
- Teammates applauded
- Starc hugged him
- His wife’s emotional reaction added charm to the moment
5. Soft Dismissal, but Standing Ovation
He later top-edged a short ball from Will Jacks, ending on 106. The crowd again rose to appreciate his brilliant innings.
Scorecard Snapshot – Australia 1st Innings
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Carey (wk) | 106 | 143 | 8 | 1 | 74.13 |
| Usman Khawaja | 82 | 126 | 10 | 0 | 65.08 |
| Jake Weatherald | 18 | 27 | 4 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Travis Head | 10 | 28 | 1 | 0 | 35.71 |
| Mitchell Starc | 29* | 51 | 3 | 0 | 56.86 |
Australia ended Day 1 at 322/8 (78.5 overs).
Australia’s Wicketkeepers With Ashes Hundreds
| Player | Ashes Centuries |
|---|---|
| Adam Gilchrist | 3 |
| Brad Haddin | 3 |
| Ian Healy | 2 |
| Alex Carey | 1 |
Carey joins an elite list with this achievement.
Expert Reactions (From Commentary)
- “Carey is unbelievably clutch and often underrated.”
- “He thrives in high-pressure moments.”
- “This innings may redefine his Ashes legacy.”
Alex Carey in Tests in 2025
| Inns | Runs | Average | SR | 50s/100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 671 | 51.61 | 79.78 | 3 / 2 |
This 106 is his second hundred in the 2025 season and fourth Test hundred overall.
Conclusion
Alex Carey’s century at Adelaide is one of the highlight moments of the Ashes 2025-26.
It was an innings defined by:
- Responsibility
- Patience
- Class
- Perfect shot selection
- Mental toughness
At a time when Australia needed a rescuer, Carey delivered yet again, proving why he is becoming one of the most important players in the Test squad.
