Australia vs South Africa: Alex Carey recovers from hotel pool drama to score first test century

SKY SPORT

After David Warner’s dismissal there were plenty more runs for the home batsmen at the MCG.

Whatever magic water was in Australia’s hotel pool in Karachi, it has worked wonders for Alex Carey.

Carey scored his first test century with a chanceless knock against South Africa at the MCG on Wednesday, joining the late Rod Marsh as the only other wicketkeeper to score a test ton at the famous Melbourne venue.

When he was eventually dismissed for 111, Australia built their huge total to 575-8 when captain Pat Cummins declared with a first innings lead of 386.

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A maiden test century for Alex Carey of Australia at the MCG.

Carey started day three unbeaten on nine but the left-hander quickly went about extending Australia’s already-imposing lead in the Boxing Day test.

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The 31-year-old’s maiden century, coming in his 14th test, came from 133 balls and included 13 boundaries.

Carey flew past his previous-best test score of 93 which came against Pakistan in March.

Before that match in Karachi, Carey unintentionally walked into a hotel pool fully clothed. He has averaged more than 80 since that bizarre accident – the most by any Australian player during that period.

Carey had waited years for a test debut but it came suddenly last November when Tim Paine unexpectedly stepped down from the captaincy when details of a historic sexting exchange came to light.

The South Australian has had an unconventional journey to become Australia’s first-choice keeper, captaining Greater Western Sydney before their entry into the AFL in 2012.

After not being given a spot on the Giants’ inaugural AFL list, Carey returned to Adelaide and combined football in the SANFL with club cricket duties for a short period.

Starting day three on 386-3, Australia quickly extended their advantage before declaring at 575-8 – the sixth-highest innings total at the MCG.

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Cameron Green of Australia bats during day three of the second test.

Injured allrounder Cameron Green surprisingly came out to bat, despite already being ruled out of the next test with a fractured finger and Australia boasting a commanding lead.

The 23-year-old, who was bought for $3.15 million in last week’s IPL auction, finished unbeaten on 51.

Green struggled early in his innings but appeared more comfortable the longer he batted.

He had retired hurt after copping a blow to his finger while batting on Tuesday and will not bowl again during this match.

Earlier, Proteas paceman Anrich Nortje was on a hat-trick when he bowled Travis Head (51) and double-century maker David Warner in consecutive balls in overcast conditions.

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Anrich Nortje of South Africa celebrates dismissing David Warner of Australia.

Cummins was able to keep out the hat-trick ball, but fell to Kagiso Rabada (2-118) two balls later.

After retiring hurt with heat stress and cramps on Tuesday, a weary Warner (200) returned to the crease, but lasted just one ball before Nortje skittled his stumps.

Warner had survived Nortje’s day-two barrage, which the veteran opener called the fastest spell he has faced, in the heat to become the second Australian after Ricky Ponting to score a century in their 100th test.

AAP