One of Australia's final selection headaches for the Ashes have been confirmed, with Alex Carey set to make his Test debut.
Former captain Tim Paine originally stood down from captaining Australia's national team after a 2017 off-field incident was brought to light in the past fortnight, however, he then decided to step away from the game, and the Ashes series completely to take a mental health break.
It means either Alex Carey or Josh Inglis were set to take the gloves for Australia when they walk onto the Gabba for the first Test of the Ashes against England, starting on December 8.
With the touted Australia and Australia A warm-up game disappearing through Brisbane's weather, the selectors have today confirmed Carey will take the gloves, winning the battle over Inglis.
It may not come as a surprise, given Carey has been touted as Australia's next keeper at Test level for some time, and finished his preparation with a century in a one-day domestic cup game on the weekend.
Carey is also a former vice-captain of Australia's ODI team.
Carey will become the 463rd Australian player to play Test cricket.
I am incredibly humbled by this opportunity. It’s an exciting build-up for what is a huge series ahead," Carey said in a statement.
"My focus is on preparing and playing my part in helping Australia secure the Ashes.
This is also for my dad who has been my coach, mentor and mate, my mum, my wife Eloise, kids Louis and Clementine, my brother and sister and all of those who have supported me. I will be doing my absolute best to make them and our country proud.”
Carey's Sheffield Shield form has been inconsistent at best this season, averaging just 21.85, but he has held an average of 59.64 in the past three seasons when he managed a total of nine matches, with his Sheffield Shield time often interrupted by Australian limited overs commitments.
Australia's other selection questions are set to be answered in the coming week, with the battles thought to be at number five - between Travis Head and Usman Khawaja - and for the final spot in the bowling line up between Mitchell Starc and Jhye Richardson.
