Alex Carey continued his excellent run of form by scoring a polished century against England, moving to the top of Australia’s Test run-scoring list for the year.
The South Australian wicketkeeper made 106 on the opening day of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, a knock that put him ahead of senior batters Steve Smith and Travis Head in the season’s totals.
A Century Made Special in Adelaide
Carey’s century was his third in Test cricket and carried deep personal meaning. After reaching three figures, the 34-year-old briefly looked skyward in tribute to his father Gordon, who passed away from leukaemia in September.
Batting with calm and control, Carey played a key role in steadying Australia’s innings, showing maturity and confidence against England’s bowling attack.
Australia’s Leading Test Run-Scorer This Year
The Adelaide innings lifted Carey’s tally to 671 Test runs for the calendar year, making him Australia’s most productive run-scorer in 2025 so far.
He now sits ahead of Steve Smith on 618 runs and Travis Head on 589, underlining just how important his contributions have been throughout the year.
“That one is for you dad!”
A wonderful moment as the hometown hero Alex Carey brings up 100.#Ashes | #PlayoftheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/aEdfwRedz5
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 17, 2025
Australia’s top Test run-scorers in 2025 (to date):
| Player | Runs | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Alex Carey | 671 | 51.61 |
| Steve Smith | 618 | 58.43 |
| Travis Head | 589 | 34.64 |
| Usman Khawaja | 545 | 38.92 |
| Beau Webster | 381 | 34.63 |
Why Batting Higher Suits Carey?
Although Carey has often batted at No.7, he has been keen to move up the order whenever possible. His strongest performances have come when given more responsibility with the bat.
Earlier this year, his highest Test score of 156 against Sri Lanka in Galle came while batting at No.5. During the Ashes, he was promoted to No.6 in Brisbane and responded with a valuable 63.
Speaking before the Adelaide Test, Carey explained his approach: “I love batting, and I’d always like to bat as high as I can. That’s what I do in the Sheffield Shield, and if I’m needed lower down the order, that’s fine too.”
Carey’s innings also exposed some of the pressure England’s bowling attack has faced this year. Injuries have disrupted their pace options, including the absence of Olly Stone, who was ruled out earlier in the season after undergoing knee surgery, a setback that has already tested England’s depth
How Carey Stacks Up Among Australia’s Best?
Carey’s numbers this year have been impressive, though the Australian record for most Test runs in a calendar year remains with Michael Clarke, who scored 1,595 runs in 2012.
The world record still belongs to Pakistan’s great Mohammad Yousuf, who piled up 1,788 runs in 2006.
Among Australian wicketkeepers, Carey’s career Test average of 36.16 from 46 matches places him second only to Adam Gilchrist, widely regarded as the finest to wear the gloves for Australia.
A Key Figure in the Ashes Battle
Carey’s form has added strength to Australia’s middle order, easing pressure on the top batsmen and giving the side greater balance. His ability to step up in big moments has made him a vital part of Australia’s Ashes plans.
For England, his rise presents another challenge in a fiercely contested series where momentum can shift quickly.
- Alex Carey scored a composed 106 against England in Adelaide.
- He is now Australia’s highest Test run-scorer of the year.
- The century was Carey’s third in Test cricket and held emotional value.
- Batting higher up the order has brought out his best form.
- His performances are playing a major role in shaping the Ashes series.
England supporters are seeing another Australian player hit top form at a crucial stage of the Ashes. With Carey providing runs and stability, UK fans can expect a gripping contest as the series continues to unfold.
