Alex Carey named to replace Tim Paine for Gabba Test

Gilchrist also made his Test debut at the Gabba after a long apprenticeship as the white ball gloveman and was only a couple of years younger than Carey is now.

Although Gilchrist is also a fan of up and coming keeper Josh Inglis who nearly pipped the South Australian at the post, the greatest player to ever wear the gloves for Australia has declared Carey deserves his opportunity and admits it has brought back memories of his debut back in 1999.

“I don’t think they would lose out by having either one of those two step out there … but I do think Alex deserves it,” Fox Cricket expert Gilchrist told News Corp at the network’s bumper Ashes launch at Bondi Beach on Thursday.

“I just see some of the similarities through the journey that I went on and undertook. Getting yourself into the frame in white ball cricket and then trying to be in that position that you’re the man they go to when an opportunity comes up.

“It’s a different landscape now and a lot more chopping and changing with another format of the game we play, but as a general statement I think this is why you invest in players, this is why you get them in the system and spend time and resources developing them.

“The time is right for him and it’s a great opportunity for Kez to fulfil that dream. I think he’ll do a terrific job.”

Carey has played 45 one-day internationals for Australia and has served as captain of his country on multiple occasions.

Although his batting form has been patchy in first-class cricket this summer, he has an excellent overall record over the past three seasons for South Australia and has the potential to change the momentum of the game batting at No.7.

Gilchrist said Carey should take confidence from what he has already proven at limited overs international level, and believes Test cricket will suit him even better.

“The foundation for me to walk out to Test cricket was my years in one-day cricket, to the point where when I walked out to bat, Junior (Mark Waugh) was at the non-striker’s end – a bloke I’d opened the batting with 70 times in one-day cricket,” said Gilchrist, who will fly to Brisbane to call the first Test for Fox.

“That gave me a sense of calmness and familiarity and I think that’s what Kez will find. He certainly won’t be overawed by the situation.

“He’ll really enjoy the opportunity just to get in there and bat. He looks like a classy operator who will know how to occupy the crease and get himself in and then be able to go through the gears at the right times.

“I think he’ll really enjoy the time of Test cricket.”

The reality for Carey is that although his experience has seen him beat Inglis to the punch this time, the West Australian, as the younger man at 26, is likely to be stalking him in his shadow over the years to come.

Inglis is regarded by a lot of good judges as the better skilled gloveman, and with subcontinental tours of Pakistan and Sri Lanka on the horizon next year, Carey will need to show his skills standing up to Nathan Lyon.

Gilchrist said he can’t be thinking about Inglis’ footsteps.

“He’s just got to play what’s in front of him. That’s absolutely all you can do,” said Gilchrist.

“He’s an extremely hard worker so he’ll be well prepared and well planned. He’s an intelligent, smart kid and that comes through in his cricket.

“Don’t be worrying about what Josh or anyone else is doing in domestic or Big Bash cricket.”