The Adelaide Oval crowd gasped in unison as Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey’s stumps went flying – destroyed by an Indian spinner’s magic ball that changed the game. This wasn’t just another dismissal; it was a moment that exposed Australia’s batting weaknesses when they needed stability most.
Washington Sundar cleans up Alex Carey! pic.twitter.com/Zm36qcnArj
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) October 23, 2025
The Crucial Moment That Changed the Game
Australia were chasing 265 runs in the second ODI against India when Carey walked to the crease. The pressure was mounting at 120/4 in the 27th over. All eyes were on the returning veteran to steady the ship.
Washington Sundar had other plans. The young Indian spinner delivered a 95kmph full-length ball that Carey completely misread. Attempting an aggressive sweep shot too early, Carey watched helplessly as the ball sailed past his bat and demolished the stumps.
How the Dismissal Unfolded
- Ball Speed: 95 kmph – slower than Carey anticipated
- Shot Attempted: Aggressive sweep
- Result: Complete miss, stumps shattered
- Carey’s Score: 9 runs off 17 balls
Carey’s Rocky Comeback Journey
This match marked Carey’s return to the Australian ODI squad after missing the first game due to Sheffield Shield commitments. His replacement Josh Philippe had impressed with a 37-run knock in Australia’s opening victory.
| Player | Match | Runs | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Carey | 2nd ODI | 9 (17 balls) | Low |
| Josh Philippe | 1st ODI | 37 (43 balls) | Significant |
Many questioned the decision to bring Carey back immediately, especially after Philippe’s promising performance. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman needed a strong showing to justify his recall. Instead, his early departure left Australia struggling at 127/5.
India’s Young Guns Shine
While Sundar’s magical delivery stole headlines, India’s young brigade made significant impacts throughout the match:
Shubman Gill’s Captaincy Challenge
The Indian skipper has faced a tough initiation to leadership across formats:
- Lost first match as T20I captain
- Lost first Test as captain
- Now trailing in ODI series
Despite his batting struggles (scoring just 10 and 9 in the first two ODIs), Gill’s tactical bowling changes proved crucial. His decision to bring Sundar into the attack against Carey showed excellent match awareness.
Match Context and Series Impact
This second ODI carried extra significance after Australia dominated the series opener. Key changes for Australia included:
- Alex Carey replacing Josh Philippe
- Adam Zampa returning to strengthen bowling
- Xavier Bartlett making an immediate impact
Bartlett had earlier dismissed Gill with a clever delivery, showing Australia’s depth in bowling options. But Sundar’s strike against Carey balanced the scales, proving India’s young players could respond under pressure.
What This Means for Carey’s Future
This dismissal raises serious questions about Carey’s position in the ODI squad:
- Can he maintain his wicketkeeping spot with batting failures?
- Does Josh Philippe deserve another chance?
- How will this affect Carey’s confidence ahead of crucial tournaments?
Former Australian cricketers have already begun debating Carey’s place in the team. Some argue that his experience is vital, while others believe Australia should invest in younger talent like Philippe.
The Road Ahead in the Series
With the series now poised at 1-1 after India’s victory in Adelaide, all eyes turn to the deciding third ODI. Key factors to watch:
| Team | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Deep bowling attack | Middle-order batting consistency |
| India | Young talent emerging | Captain’s batting form |
Both teams face selection dilemmas. Australia must decide whether to stick with Carey or recall Philippe. India needs their captain Gill to lead from the front with the bat while maintaining his sharp tactical decisions.
Why This Dismissal Matters Beyond the Match
Sundar’s destruction of Carey’s stumps represents more than just a wicket:
- Shows India’s spin depth beyond established stars
- Shows India’s spin depth beyond established stars
- Highlights Australia’s vulnerability against quality spin
- Raises questions about shot selection under pressure
The Magic Behind Sundar’s Deadly Delivery
Slow-motion replays revealed why Carey had no answer to Sundar’s brilliance. The ball drifted slightly in the air before pitching just outside off stump. As Carey committed to the sweep, the delivery gripped the surface and straightened enough to beat both bat and pad.
Spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi explained the technical mastery: “Washington held the ball across the seam, creating that subtle drift. The key was bowling slower through the air – giving the pitch time to work its magic.” This wasn’t luck; it was calculated deception.
The Mental Game: Carey’s Visible Frustration
Cameras caught Carey smashing his bat against the dressing room wall after the dismissal – rare emotion from the usually calm keeper. This reaction speaks volumes about the pressure he’s facing:
- His ODI average has dropped to 28.7 since 2023
- Only 2 fifties in last 25 innings
- Facing stiff competition from younger keepers
Australian great Adam Gilchrist commented during broadcast: “That’s the reaction of someone who knows opportunities might be running out. The selectors’ patience won’t last forever with talents like Philippe waiting.”
Spin Dominance at Adelaide – A Growing Trend
Sundar’s dismissal continues India’s spin success at what’s traditionally considered a pace-friendly ground:
Year Spinner Key Dismissal Impact 2023 Kuldeep Yadav Steve Smith Won MOTM 2025 Washington Sundar Alex Carey Game-changing “The dryness of Adelaide’s climate creates surprising turn later in the day,” explained pitch curator Damian Hough. “Teams underestimating our spin-friendly conditions get punished.”
Decider Preview: Selection Headaches Galore
As teams head to Melbourne for the series finale, both captains face tough calls:
Australia’s Dilemma
- Stick with Carey: Experience vs recent form
- Bowling combination: Three quicks or extra spinner?
- Top-order stability: Finch’s replacement still unsettled
India’s Challenges
- Gill’s batting position: Drop down to relieve pressure?
- Spin duo: Play both Sundar and Kuldeep?
- Death bowling: Who closes out innings?
The Melbourne pitch report suggests a balanced surface, but evening dew could make defending totals tricky. Teams winning the toss might prefer chasing given recent trends.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Stumps Flying
While Sundar’s magical delivery will dominate highlight reels, this moment symbolizes cricket’s constant evolution. Young talents are challenging established stars, and one ball can shift entire careers.
As former England captain Nasser Hussain summed it up: “What makes cricket beautiful is these personal battles within the war. Today, Sundar won decisively – but Carey’s response in Melbourne could define his legacy.”
The series decider promises fireworks, with both teams having everything to prove. One thing’s certain – no Australian batsman will underestimate Washington Sundar’s innocent smile before he starts his bowling run-up again.
