'It never makes it easier': Alex Carey opens up on ODI axing as Boxing Day Test looms
Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey says being dropped from Australia's ODI side has motivated him to perform in red ball cricket.
Carey was left out of the squad as they skyrocketed to victory in the final, defeating host nation India by six wickets.
Despite the setback, Carey went on to perform solidly against Pakistan in the first Test in Perth, with domination on Boxing Day now in his sight.
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"It never makes it easier though to hear you're going to be left out. You get time to reflect and then sit down and speak to each and every one of them to find out the reasons. And then all you can do is go to work and try to improve in certain areas," Carey told reporters at the MCG on Saturday.
"You see it as an opportunity to grow and learn as a person, and I guess who you are as a player and go out and put a smile on your face.
Alex Carey says he's full of confidence ahead of the Boxing Day Test. Getty
"I still feel like I've had some pretty solid performances the last 12 months in one-day cricket."
In Perth, where the Aussies smashed Pakistan by a massive 360 runs, Carey recorded his 100th Test dismissal and notched up 34 runs, in signs his form is looking up for the Boxing Day Test.
"Any setbacks, I try to use them in my favour, to learn, to grow," Carey said.
"My job is to do the best I can behind the stumps to try to support our amazing bowlers.
Alex Carey was dropped from Australia's ODI side. Getty
"I guess a little milestone which is nice to reflect back on one day. Hopefully a few more out here against Pakistan on Boxing Day."
As for Melbourne's weather which is predicting rain across the first two days of play, Carey is holding out hope that the sun will stay out long enough for Australia to make a dent with bat or ball.
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"Hopefully the sun can stay out, we'll go out to work and try to win that first hour of play. I think that's all we can do," he said.
Australia face Pakistan in the second Test, starting on Boxing Day at the MCG.
