The former Australia cricket legends Steve Waugh and Shane Warne have expressed their shock over the Ashes snub to the talented wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
Australia on July 26 announced its Ashes squad that with Alex Carey missing the list. The squad includes the ball tampering row involved trio of Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.
Matthew Wade also made the grade, having not played a Test for nearly two years, following recent outstanding form with the bat.
He can act as back-up wicketkeeper to captain Tim Paine, as could Bancroft, which meant the fast-improving Carey, who starred for Australia at the recent World Cup, was controversially overlooked.
Taking to official twitter handle Stave Waugh tweeted, “Got to be kidding re Alex Carey. For me Alex missing the squad is the biggest shock particularly after his batting during the World Cup and being the second best gloveman.”
The former spin great Shane Warne also was stunned by Carey’s omission and posted on his instagram handle, “ Very surprised/disappointed that Carey didn’t make the Aussie squad”.
Former Australia captain Mark Taylor said opener Burns and middle-order batsman Patterson missing out was tough to take given both made centuries in Australia’s last Test, against Sri Lanka. “I was disappointed Kurtis Patterson didn’t make the squad. You can’t help but feel a little bit sorry for both him and (Joe) Burns,” Taylor said.
“They’re both coming off hundreds in their last Test matches.”
Taylor said their omissions reflected the country’s current selection ethos.
“It’s a sign of the times,” he said.