Australia’s Alex Carey ‘disappointed’ to lose vice-captaincy role but says ‘decision sits comfortably with me’

Australia’s wicket-keeper batsman Alex Carey, who will be going to England for the limited overs series next month, has admitted to being “disappointed” at no longer being one of their white-ball vice-captains alongside Pat Cummins. But he added that he understands the decision to go back to an ‘old model which has worked in the past’.

“I’ve had lots of clarity around the decision. You’re always going to be disappointed with that but I’m also really grateful and thankful for the opportunity I’ve had in the past 24 months in that role,” Carey said at a media interaction on Saturday.

“I would love to still have the title next to my name but it doesn’t change anything from my end. I’m still going to rock up, hopefully with a big smile on my face, and try really hard around the group,” he further said.

Australia name squad for England tour

Australia named their 21-man squad for their upcoming tour of England which will be led by opener Aaron Finch. The all-rounder Pat Cummins has been named as the vice-captain of the squad. Alex Carey had shared the role of the vice-captain along with Cummins in the limited overs format since 2018 under the then coach Justin Langer.

Alex Carey also commended Aaron Finch for his role as the leader of the team.

“It’s going back to the old model, which has worked in the past, and Pat Cummins is a fantastic leader and Aaron Finch is as well. Through the likes of David Warner, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell – there’s so many senior figures and heads around the group that we’re not reliant on just one or two people (to lead).

“The group has played a fair bit of cricket together now. It’s a great group to have in supporting Aaron. So yeah, I’ve had lots of clarity, and the decision sits really comfortably with me now.”

Australia will be in England for three ODIs and three T20Is from September 4 to September 16. Immediately after the tour, Alex Carey will be headed to the UAE for his first IPL stint, with the Delhi Capitals.