The Ashes: Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey doubtful of Barmy Army proclamation he will not be booedJosh KemptonThe West AustralianTue, 18 November 2025 2:41PMCommentsComments
A sceptical Alex Carey has cast doubt over the Barmy Army’s proclamation he will not be the target of booing from travelling English supporters in The Ashes.
The Australian wicketkeeper became the prime target for English ire in 2023 on the back of his stumping of a wandering Jonny Bairstow in a moment which set the most recent Ashes series alight.
Legendary bowler Stuart Broad — who will be part of Channel Seven’s commentary team for the upcoming series — was batting with Bairstow at the time and told Carey “that’s all you’ll be remembered for” after a moment which saw the historic Lord’s turn tempestuous, with the Australian side subject to abuse in the famous Long Room.
But the Barmy Army’s Perth coordinator Alison Foskett told The West Australian on Tuesday no songs would be sung about the South Australian and they “absolutely won’t” boo him.
Ahead of the start of the series at Optus Stadium on Friday, Carey said he had no doubts over what to expect from the travelling English supporters and was well prepared to deal with the additional attention.
“I don’t know if that will stand for the whole series,” Carey said of the booing ban.
“I think Ashes series, growing up watching, you’ve got your heroes and you’ve got your villains. It depends what side of the fence you sit on.
“That’s what makes it to special, you’ve got amazing Australian fans supporting us and you’ve got English fans supporting them, and whatever it looks like in between, it makes for great viewing.
“Whatever it looks like for the whole group, not just myself, it should be amazing.”
As he dealt with the additional attention from the home fans, the mild-mannered Carey’s returns dwindled through a series which saw England recover from a 2-0 deficit to draw 2-2, though that was not enough to reclaim The Ashes.
Carey averaged only 22.23 with the bat in that series but his returns of late have been far stronger, with the wicketkeeper averaging 47.60 through his seven Tests so far this year.
When asked if he was ready to resume his role as England’s pantomime villain, Carey said his focus had remained firmly on the game.
“I haven’t really thought about that,” he said.
“I’m excited to get out there Friday. I don’t think there’s too much hype that needs to get on it to be an exciting series.”
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