Australia's disappointing loss in their ICC World Cup opener to India has raised concerns over wicketkeeper Alex Carey, with former Test skipper Tim Paine questioning his future in the side.
The visitors were bowled out for 199 in the first innings, with three batsmen dismissed for single-figure scores, before the likes of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul settled the nerves for the hosts, leading them to a six-wicket victory.
Carey was trapped LBW by Ravindra Jadeja for a two-ball duck, continuing a disappointing run of form in both the red-ball and white-ball formats.
The 32-year-old has passed 14 just once in his past eight ODI knocks, while his performances in the Test arena were also concerning during the recent drawn Ashes series against England.
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Tim Paine raises concerns over Australian keeper Alex Carey
Speaking on SEN Radio in the wake of the defeat, Paine was honest in his assessment of his successor in the Baggy Green, while also claiming the Jonny Bairstow controversy a number of months ago could have impacted Carey.
“He’s been struggling, there’s no doubt about that,” he said.
“It looks a mindset thing... we know how dangerous Alex can be. I don’t think he’s looked the same since the Jonny Bairstow stumping.
"Whether that’s had an effect on him mentally - he copped an absolute barrel over there from everyone, I know it was a really difficult time for him and his family, he couldn’t go out for a coffee without copping abuse.
“I don’t know if it’s rattled him or if his confidence has dropped off since, but certainly his batting – he hasn’t looked the same... his body language and his intent, his intent to go out and take the game on from the start.”
Carey has proven to be a dynamic player in the middle-order for the Aussies in recent years, but his recent woes and the side's desperate need to turn their form around could be a catalyst for change.
Josh Inglis has been included in the squad and according to Paine, who represented his country on 70 occasions, there might be a conversation in the coming weeks regarding a switch in the lineup.
“It’ll be interesting, Josh Inglis is over there and he’s been playing really well from limited opportunities and he’s a really damaging player and good player of spin in his own right,” the former Test captain said.
“Hopefully Alex can bounce back in the next game or two, but otherwise I think there might be a bit of pressure coming on.”