Carey wins race to be Australian keeper for Ashes

Alex Carey called it “a boyhood dream” as he won the race Thursday to be Australia’s wicketkeeper for the first two Ashes Tests against England after scandal-hit Tim Paine stepped down.

The 30-year-old Carey has played plenty of lim-ited-overs cricket for Australia and stood in as the one-day captain in the West Indies this year, but is yet to feature in a Test match.

That will change in Brisbane next week, barring any late mishaps, after he was added to the 15-man squad.

“Alex has been a regular member of the national side in white-ball cricket, particularly in the one-day game,” said chief selector George Bailey. “He is an excellent cricketer and a fine individual who will bring many great strengths into the team.

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