The Ashes 2025–26 delivered its first true moment of chaos and brilliance rolled into one when Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey took a spectacular—if unconventional—catch after colliding with teammate Marnus Labuschagne. The dramatic incident unfolded on Day 2 of the opening Test, instantly becoming one of the most replayed highlights of the series.
A Mix-Up That Turned Magical
The moment came in the 52nd over of England’s innings. Mitchell Starc found extra bounce from a good-length ball that forced England’s No. 4 into a hurried defensive poke. The thick edge flew wide of the slip cordon, prompting both Carey and Labuschagne—stationed at first slip—to sprint toward the rapidly dipping ball.
Labuschagne lunged forward, eyes fixed on the edge. Carey, moving sharply from behind the stumps, anticipated a late dip and dove from the opposite angle. Their shoulders clashed mid-air, drawing a gasp from the crowd.
Yet through the awkward tangle of arms, gloves, and momentum, Carey somehow maintained enough balance—and grip—to pouch the ball cleanly before crashing onto the turf.
Stadium Stunned, Teammates in Disbelief
For a moment, no one moved. Labuschagne lay on his back, staring at the sky. Carey rolled over, glove raised, ball still secured. Then the stadium erupted.
Pat Cummins raced in with a mix of relief and disbelief, tapping the keeper on the helmet while Labuschagne offered a sheepish thumbs-up from the ground.England’s batter stood frozen, half-dismissed already but waiting for confirmation. The soft signal—and the replays—left no doubt: OUT.
Within minutes, clips of the collision-catch flooded social media. Fans compared it to “slip-cordon pinball,” while others dubbed it “the most Australian way to take a wicket—two blokes crashing into each other and still pulling it off.”
Former cricketers, too, chimed in. Several praised Carey’s focus, while others jokingly recommended tackling drills for Labuschagne.
A Turning Point for Australia
The wicket proved pivotal. England, steady until that point, slipped into deeper trouble as Australia capitalised on the momentum shift. The catch didn’t just remove a set batter—it energised the crowd, lifted the bowlers, and injected unmistakable Ashes fire into the contest.
The Ashes has always delivered unforgettable moments, from dramatic run-outs to outlandish catches. This Carey-Labuschagne collision now joins the growing list of incidents destined to live forever in highlight reels.
