Ashes 2023: Alex Carey has been the difference-maker, says Eoin Morgan after Australia put up 311 for 8 on Day 2

By India Today Sports Desk: Former England captain Eoin Morgan stated that Australia wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey was the difference-maker on Day 2. Australia posted 311 for five at stumps on Day 2 and trailed England by 82 runs.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the tip of the day, Morgan stated this has been Australia’s day and the distinction has been Carey. Carey scored an unbeaten 52 off 80 balls, hitting seven boundaries and a solitary six, whereas stitching a vital 91-run stand with opening batter and centurion Usman Khawaja.

“I think it has been Australia’s day. I would rather be sat in Australia’s changing room right now and the difference for me has been Carey,” stated Morgan.

He went on to say that the late impetus from Khawaja and Carey was excellent. Khawaja scored his first century on English soil and remained unbeaten on 126 runs off 279 deliveries, hitting 14 boundaries and two maximums.

“You always expect an Australian to grind out some runs on this wicket. That impetus late on in the day and leading momentum into when the new ball came in from Khawaja and Carey was outstanding,” Morgan added.

Meanwhile, Australia middle-order batter Travis Head additionally showered reward on Khawaja, saying the opener batted fantastically and scoring a century was an enormous weight off his shoulders. This was Khawaja’s fifteenth Test century and his fourth in opposition to England, with the opposite three coming in Australia.

“A huge weight off his shoulders. I know he is determined and once he got through that new ball on that wicket, he played beautifully,” stated Head.

Khawaja additionally accomplished 1000 Test runs in opposition to England and is now three runs wanting finishing 13000 runs in first-class cricket. With Khawaja and Carey within the center, Australia can be seeking to consolidate a giant whole on Day 3 to pile strain on the hosts.