The Ashes: Alex Carey pays heartfelt tribute to late father after scoring gritty century

Cricket often produces moments that transcend the scoreboard, and Alex Carey’s century in the third Ashes Test was one such occasion. Playing on home soil and in front of loved ones, the Australian wicketkeeper-batter’s emotional hundred became a heartfelt tribute to his late father, turning a milestone innings into a deeply personal moment.

Carey’s fluent 106 at stumps on Day One was more than just runs on the board. Playing in front of family and friends, the 34-year-old punched the air and looked skywards on reaching three figures, as his wife Eloise was seen in tears in the stands. It marked Carey’s third Test century and his first in an Ashes series, making the moment even more special.

The knock carried deep personal significance. It was Carey’s first century since the passing of his father, Gordon, who died in September after battling leukaemia. Speaking after the day’s play, Carey described the innings as a “special moment,” admitting the emotions nearly got the better of him.

“Dad played the biggest role in my cricket,” Carey said. “He coached me all the way through and always kept me grounded, even as I got older.”

Rescuing Australia From Trouble

Carey’s 106 off 143 balls came at a crucial time, after Australia lost two quick wickets immediately after lunch, followed by Usman Khawaja’s gritty dismissal for 82. Carey stitched together vital partnerships with Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc to steer Australia to 326 for eight, keeping the hosts firmly on track for a potential series-clinching 3–0 lead.

Praise for Khawaja

Carey also backed Khawaja, who was drafted in late after Steve Smith withdrew due to illness. “He’s still got so much to give,” Carey said, praising the veteran’s composure under pressure.

In a match filled with intensity and high stakes, Carey’s century stood out as a reminder that cricket’s most powerful moments often go beyond statistics blending skill, resilience and deeply personal emotion into memories that last a lifetime.