Alex Carey gets one of the Australian cricket team’s biggest accolades after his quick thinking led to the controversial sacking of Jonny Bairstow
- Alex Carey named as the songmaster of the Aussie team
- The singing master leads the team song after Test wins
- The injured Nathan Lyon previously held the role
Controversial Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey has been given one of the Australian cricket team’s most important jobs following England’s defeat to Australia at Lord’s in the second Ashes Test.
Carey’s controversial stupidity of Jonny Bairstow saw him and the rest of the tourists cheat, with Stuart Broad saying he was stunned that not one Australian stood up to say the dismissal was wrong.
Now the Australian team has responded to the scandal by temporarily giving Carey the credit of leading the team song after Test wins.
The role of singing “Under the Southern Cross” has been filled by Nathan Lyon for ten years, but the spinner’s leg injury has ruled him out of the rest of the series.
Alex Carey has been given the role of songmaster by the injured Nathan Lyon
Carey’s stumping of Bairstow during England’s fourth innings chase saw the Aussies cheated by irate fans and pundits
The songmaster role holds an important symbolic position within the Aussie team, having passed over the years from the likes of David Boon to Ian Healy, Justin Langer, Michael Hussey and Ricky Ponting.
Lyon recently spoke about the prestigious honor and how important it is for the team.
“I’m not nearly as nervous as when I first got it,” Lyon said.
That’s another very humble moment when ‘Huss’ [Hussey] gave me credit for leading that team song.
“I feel like it’s on an equal footing with the captain if you ask me to have that honor of leading the team song for every individual within that team, including the staff.
“It means everything to us to be able to celebrate.”
Carey, who captained Australia in ODIs, was told by Stuart Broad that ‘you will be forever remembered’ due to the controversial dismissal from Bairstow – and Pat Cummins expects more abuse once the side reaches Headingly for the Third Test.
“There’s nothing like loud crowds that bring a team together,” Cummins told reporters.
‘He is [Carey] one of the guys we’ll get around.’
The role of singing ‘Under the Southern Cross’ has been fulfilled by Nathan Lyon for ten years
Lyon says the important role of songmaster is on par with that of captain – and now that honor falls to Carey (pictured)
But moments like this can really strengthen a team. I thought ‘Kez’ played another fantastic game, he broke some records… he was fantastic behind the wickets.
“We’ll take care of him.”
Australia can move into the Ashes series with a win over Headingly, while all the pressure will be on the home side to perform after a frustrating end to the game at Lord’s.