Mark Waugh praises Alex Carey for 'one of the best debuts' as Australia take 1-0 lead in Ashes
Debutant Alex Carey has had one of the best introductions to Test cricket by a wicketkeeper, according to Australian batting great Mark Waugh.
The 128-Test icon had nothing but praise for Carey's record-breaking performance behind the sticks, which saw him take eight catches in the first Test, won by Australia by nine wickets.
Carey's feat surpasses the most catches taken by an Australian wicketkeeper on Test debut and equals the most-dismissals record, previously only held by Brian Taber.
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Carey exploded onto the scene, taking three dismissals in the first innings before backing up with five in the second.
Alex Carey enjoyed a record-breaking Test debut at the Gabba. Getty
"It will be up there with one of the best debuts as a wicketkeeper," Waugh said on the Fox Cricket broadcast.
"It has been faultless.
"Even his work to Nathan Lyon has been exemplary.
"His glovework has been 10 out of 10.
"Everything has just hit the middle of the gloves and he has made it look easy.
Formerly an Australian rules footballer, Carey started his professional sporting career with the GWS Giants.
After taking flight to glove a Pat Cummins bouncer on day three that hit the pitch and soared overhead, Waugh described Carey as seeing the ball like he was leaping to mark a Sherrin.
"That was a difficult ball to take," he said.
"It sort of tailed away and it bounced into his right hand, which is his non-dominant hand. He is a left-hander.
"It just took a chunk out of the pitch.
"He is seeing them like footballs behind the sticks."
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