Australia’s wicketkeeper, Alex Carey, demonstrated exceptional quick thinking during the third Ashes Test at Headingley on July 6.
In a remarkable feat, Carey used his lips to secure a catch and prevent it from slipping away.
The incident occurred when England’s opener, Ben Duckett, nicked a short ball outside off-stump, causing it to rapidly ascend towards Carey. Acting swiftly, Carey leaped to catch the ball with his fingers.
However, while descending with the momentum, he realized that the ball might escape his grasp.
In a moment of ingenuity, Carey leaned forward and pressed his lips against the ball, ensuring a firm hold. Eoin Morgan, former England white-ball captain, humorously remarked that Carey had given the ball a “smooch.”
The wicket was particularly satisfying for Carey, considering he had endured the loudest boos from the Headingley crowd.
Throughout the series, Carey has exhibited exceptional skill behind the stumps, in stark contrast to his counterpart, Jonny Bairstow, who dropped two catches in the first innings.
England hopes that such incidents do not become decisive factors in the Test, particularly following the previous controversy involving the wicketkeepers at Lord’s.
Duckett’s dismissal left England at 18/1, and in the following over, skipper Pat Cummins claimed another wicket.
Harry Brook, who was promoted to No. 3 for the home Test, played at a fuller delivery outside the off-stump, resulting in an edge that was caught at second slip.
Joe Root and Zak Crawley then formed a modest partnership, temporarily alleviating the pressure on England. However, just as Crawley was receiving praise from the commentators, Mitch Marsh enticed him to play at an out-swinger.
The ball moved more than expected under the floodlights, inducing an edge that was safely caught by David Warner at first slip.
Bairstow, entering the crease for the first time since the controversy, added an element of excitement to the session. The match promises further enthralling moments.
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