'Never say never': Alex Carey still hopeful of T20 World Cup selection despite missing initial squad
Updated . First published at
Australian wicket-keeper Alex Carey will "never say never" when it comes to earning a spot for the T20 World Cup, despite being overlooked from the initial squad.
Fresh off the best summer of his Test career, which saw him score a century in Adelaide and produce sublime performances behind the stumps, Carey is now back with the Strikers and plying his trade in the Big Bash competition.
The left-hander scored a blistering 71 off 39 balls in his return to the BBL on Sunday before being dismissed for just three on Tuesday against the Melbourne Stars.
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Despite his tremendous Ashes campaign and first-up performance with the Strikers over the weekend, Carey's name was nowhere to be seen when selectors unveiled the provisional 15-man group for the tournament in India and Sri Lanka next month.
Alex Carey celebrates a ton against England. Getty
Instead, it looks like Josh Inglis will be taking the gloves in the subcontinent, even if Carey is still holding out hope of a late call-up before February.
"It's nice to go out there and play a different format in some different colours [with the Strikers]," he said on Tuesday.
"You never say never. I will continue to hopefully improve in all formats and if the opportunity comes up, I would love to take that.
"I'm really clear on where I sit in that and the 15-man squad looks really strong."
The 34-year-old said he was looking to a former Aussie star for inspiration.
"[I look at] Matthew Wade, the way he came back in and had a real impact and ended up winning a World Cup," Carey said.
The classy keeper isn't the only player backing up from the Ashes and featuring in the domestic T20 competition, with Michael Neser playing for the Brisbane Heat.
Michael Neser. Getty
The 35-year-old enjoyed a tremendous Test series after earning a spot in the side due to the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood and remains hopeful of making the trip over to England in the middle of 2027 to face England once again.
"I definitely feel like I belong there," Neser said.
"While my body still feels good and fresh, I don't see why I can't be pushing for that.
"There's a pecking order and where I sit, but if given the opportunity, I'm just grateful that I've shown I can perform."
