Alex Carey revived memories of Anil Kumble briefly at Edgbaston here on Thursday. A wicket-keeper batsman and an ace leg-spinner may be a contrasting mix but in nostalgia’s swirl, the twain did meet.
The link was a long bandage that the Aussie wrapped his face with much akin to what Kumble did years back after suffering a broken jaw in the West Indies.
A Jofra Archer bouncer struck Carey on the helmet and his chin got cut. The feisty player got the gash covered and soldiered on along with Steve Smith in a 103-run fourth-wicket partnership, though, in the end England won the World Cup semifinal.
Carey, who spoke late on Thursday night, downplayed his injury and was pragmatic about the team’s loss.
Excerpts
THE BRUISE
It was one of those reaction things. The (helmet’s) buckled clipped fell off. Didn't have time to be scared, it was ‘just catch the lid and play on’. Obviously Jofra has got a pretty good bumper and a few stitches is nothing to worry about. Six stitches.
SOLID PARTNERSHIP
It was not the situation I would have liked to come in but it was good to get the opportunity. Smith was batting quite well.
It was quite difficult at times and we were trying to absorb most of the pressure and get something on the board. It was nice to go up the order but we would have liked to start and finish better.
DREGS OF DEFEAT
We bowled tight for the first three overs but they are two players (Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow) in good form and played well upfront. In a semifinal if you get anything on the board you are in the game.
We wanted to take early wickets but Jason played really well. Obviously there is disappointment but if we look back at the last 12 to 18 months, how far the playing group has come is something we are proud of.
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