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The Adelaide Oval witnessed a moment of pure sporting theater on Day 1 of the third Ashes Test as Alex Carey struck a magnificent, career-defining century. In front of a roaring home crowd, the Australian wicket-keeper reached the milestone with a flourish, marking his third Test hundred and his very first in Ashes history. However, the significance of the innings transcended the scoreboard, as Carey honored his late father in a poignant tribute that left the stadium—and his family in the stands—in tears.
An emotional hundred for Alex Carey
Coming to the crease with Australia looking to solidify their dominance in the series, Carey played with a blend of trademark aggression and newfound composure. The Adelaide Oval, Carey’s home turf, provided the perfect backdrop for his most clinical performance to date.
The crowd erupted as he reached triple figures, but the celebration was uncharacteristically hushed for a moment as Carey removed his helmet and looked to the heavens. It was a silent, powerful nod to his father, who passed away earlier this year. On commentary, Australian legend Adam Gilchrist provided emotional context to the achievement. Gilchrist noted that this was Carey’s first international century since his personal loss, describing the atmosphere as “profound” and “deeply moving.”
“That one’s for you dad,” Gilchrist said in the commentary.
Carey guides Australia’s comeback on Day 1 of Adelaide Test
Carey’s masterful innings finally came to an end at 106 off 143 balls, but not before he had fundamentally altered the complexion of the match. His departure left Australia at 321/8, a total that seemed improbable earlier in the day before his clinical intervention. Thanks to Carey’s heroics, the hosts have completed a stunning Day 1 comeback, turning a precarious start into a formidable position of strength that has firmly put the pressure back on the English side. Eventually, Australia finished the opening day on 326/8 with Mitchell Starc unbeaten at 33. For the visitors, Archer (3/29), Carse (2/70) and Will Jacks (2/105) were the pick of the bowlers.
Also WATCH: Ashes 2025-26: Zak Crawley takes a one-handed blinder to dismiss Travis Head on Day 1 of Adelaide Test
Here’s how fans reacted:
Alex Carey.. stunning!!
— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB)
Alex Carey, take a bloody bow. Stunning innings. What a player 😍
— Neal Gardner (@Nealbackup)
I reckon Alex Carey has looked as good as anyone this summer…
— Ric Finlay (@RicFinlay)
Alex Carey shines in the middle-order for Australia with his third ton in Tests 💯 📝:
— ICC (@ICC)
"That one is for you dad!"
A wonderful moment as the hometown hero Alex Carey brings up 100. | |
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau)
ALEX CAREY – ONE OF THE BEST WICKETKEEPER BATTER IN THE WORLD CURRENTLY. 🌟
– What a gem player he is!
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh)
Alex Carey is Australia’s best batter 🏏
— That's Cricket (@thatscricketjm)
Alex Carey is one of the most underrated cricketers I’ve seen. He always turns up on the big stage, makes runs when it matters most, delivers when others fail, often bats with the tail, and takes the game away from the opposition. 🏏
— Usman Shaikh 🇮🇳 (@shaikhusman_7)
Special tonne for Alex Carey in front of his home crowd, not just due to the circumstances of the game but also for his father Gordon, who sadly lost his battle with leukemia in September. One of his best knocks at the best time! 🙏🏼
— Brain Talks Ball 🧠 (@BrainTalksBall)
Alex Carey looks to the sky mid maiden-Ashes hundred celebration. He lost his father to leukemia in September. His partner in tears in the crowd too. What a player he's become.
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32)
Alex Carey walked in at 94/4, chaos everywhere walked out with an Ashes hundred at 70+ SR. Clutch isn’t a word, it’s a habit.
— Pankaj Agrawal (@iampankaj_007)
AN ASHES HUNDRED BY ALEX CAREY. 🫡
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)
Ton up for Alex Carey!! Bloody great knock!!
— Rohan Connolly (@rohan_connolly)
Alex Carey paid tribute to his late father, Gordon, after reaching his century.
The reaction from his wife in the stands says it all. Family is everything ❤️
— England's Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy)
Alex Carey is really a Clutch Player. Whenever Australia is in trouble he always performs. Real Hero of Australia. Very Underrated
— Aryan Goel (@Aryan42832Goel)
Has Australia ever produced a better wicket keeper batter in Test Cricket. Have never seen this guy Alex Carey not score in a game.
— Dave (@AFC_Dev17)
After years of playing under the shadow of Travis Head in Adelaide, Alex Carey is officially now South Australian royalty and that too in front of a record crowd at
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07)
Alex Carey Wife in tears after he scored 100
— 🦋 Sweta🦋 (@Sweta10t)
Alex Carey can be called as crisis man, saviour, repair man whatever, always stood up when team needs succeeded on 7/10 occasions & yet another day.
– Deserved maiden ashes century in front of home.
– unreal keeping skills.
– should’ve been into the team before Tim paine.— Sakthi (@sakthi_sudhan)
