Brisbane, Dec 12: Taking eight catches on debut, a feat unmatched in Test cricket, Australian wicket-keeper Alex Carey has been lauded by his teammates.

Thrust into the team in the wake of Tim Paine’s indefinite break from cricket, Carey made a seamless transition into the Test team, blooded by international experience through the game’s white-ball formats.

“I guess playing a little bit of white-ball cricket for Australia helps that. Once the bowler is running in, I focus on the ball and that is the same with the bat. Obviously your first Test you’ve got a bit going through your mind.

“It didn’t take me too long I guess to get into the rhythm. Probably a few overs and then we’re playing cricket again. It was great fun.”

Presented his Baggy Green cap by legend gloveman Adam Gilchrist, Carey looked the part as Australian Test player No. 461, also conceding just four byes across the two English innings.

While acquainted with much of Australia’s bowling attack, Carey showed keeping class supporting Nathan Lyon, in spite of the the pair playing little international cricket together.