PERTH, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 18: Alex Carey of Australia takes questions during the 2025/26 Ashes Series Launch at Perth Stadium on November 18, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/Getty Images for Cricket Australia)
UPDATE: Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey has raised doubts about the Barmy Army’s claim that he will not face booing from English supporters during the upcoming The Ashes series. As the tension builds ahead of the first match at Optus Stadium on July 14, 2023, Carey remains skeptical of the traveling fans’ promise.
Last year, Carey became a focal point for English ire after his controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow, a moment that ignited fierce emotions and turned the historic Lord’s venue tempestuous. Legendary bowler Stuart Broad, now part of the Channel Seven commentary team, famously told Carey, “that’s all you’ll be remembered for” after the incident, which led to significant abuse directed at the Australian team in the Long Room.
However, Alison Foskett, the Perth coordinator for the Barmy Army, announced to The West Australian that there would be no songs targeting Carey and that fans “absolutely won’t” boo him. Despite this, Carey is preparing for the worst, stating, “I don’t know if that will stand for the whole series.”
As he gears up for the highly anticipated series, Carey acknowledges the duality of the Ashes. “You’ve got your heroes and you’ve got your villains. It depends what side of the fence you sit on,” he said. The intense rivalry brings both Australian and English fans together, creating an atmosphere that he believes makes for “great viewing.”
Despite the tumultuous atmosphere and pressure from home fans in the last series, Carey’s personal performance was less than stellar, averaging only 22.23 with the bat. However, this year, he has shown significant improvement, averaging 47.60 across his seven Tests.
When asked about his role as England’s pantomime villain, Carey maintained his focus on the game itself, expressing excitement for Friday’s opener. “I haven’t really thought about that,” he said, emphasizing the importance of the match over the surrounding hype.
With the countdown to the series now underway, all eyes will be on Carey and the reactions from English fans. Will he be booed? Only time will tell as the action unfolds on the field. The Ashes series promises to deliver high-stakes drama, and fans are eagerly awaiting what’s next.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as the first ball is bowled and the rivalry reignites!
