Alex Carey has become an integral member of Australia’s batting line-up but even he is unsure where he’ll slot in ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh.

The 34-year-old wicketkeeper has enjoyed a golden period at No.6 and No.7.

Since the start of 2025 he has scored 799 runs at an average of 47, compared to his overall average of 35.89.

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His memorable run has featured a 156 against Sri Lanka in Galle and a match-winning double of 106 and 72 in Adelaide last summer against England.

During that purple patch Carey averaged 80.75 at No.6 in six innings, showcasing that he can shine in that key position.

The retirement of veteran batter Usman Khawaja has added to the intrigue about the order beyond Steve Smith at his customary No.4 ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh which starts on Thursday in Darwin.

Australia is tipped to play two allrounders — Beau Webster and Cameron Green — although backup wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has previously played as a specialist run-maker.

Throw in Carey, who is one of the first picked, and the order between No.5 and No.7 is set to change for the first of two Test matches.

Asked whether he knew where he would bat, Carey on Monday was coy.

Alex Carey says he’s not sure where he’ll bat when Australia’s series against Bangladesh begins. Credit: AAP

“Not yet,” Carey said.

“We are three days out and we will find out some more information over the next three days. There are lots of options with two allrounders, Ingo, and myself.

“We will all occupy the middle (order). That is what I am comfortable in saying. It will be between five and seven.”

One of Webster, Green or Inglis will miss out.

It is more of a mental approach than a technique change that has unlocked Carey’s best as a batter.

“I keep it really simple,” the left-hander said.

“I try and train a certain few words and get my body and mindset to a level of concentration and focus, and intensity as well, where I think I can play my best cricket

“When you go back to your best, what does that look like? It probably takes a little while to get into Test cricket, play the way you want to play and be comfortable with however that looks ... and put aside the judgment of others.

“You get more experience in blocking out outside noise and working out a process that works best for you.”

As a wicketkeeper, Carey will be behind the stumps for up to 21 Tests in the next 12 months. Given he has to concentrate on every delivery while in the field, it will likely be the heaviest workload an Australian ‘keeper has undertaken in Test history inside a year.

“I’m not looking too far ahead. It is a game where we play each ball on its merit and that is a contest in itself,” he said.

“I am really excited about the schedule. I love cricket. It has been a pretty long winter sitting around preparing for this game.

“This group of players are really professional with the way they look after themselves, and are really experienced at getting themselves up for each Test match.”