Alex Carey keen to 'co-exist' with Josh Inglis in Australian Test line-up beyond Sri Lanka series

Alex Carey is hopeful both he and Josh Inglis can feature in future Test teams, as Australia braces for a selection squeeze after the Sri Lanka series.

Carey has been Australia's wicketkeeper since the 2021/22 Ashes series, with back-up gloveman Inglis forced to wait for a Test debut.

Playing as a specialist batter, Inglis made 102 in his first Test innings in the Sri Lanka series opener in Galle, announcing himself as a selection option for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final in June and beyond.

Carey is also impressing with the bat, having finished day two of the second Test in Galle on a career-best 139 not out.

Adding to a potential selection dilemma is the fact opener Sam Konstas and all-rounder Cameron Green will be vying for a return to Australia's line-up ahead of the WTC Final at Lord's.

Inglis was picked in Sri Lanka largely for his expertise against spin but Carey was hopeful there would be space for both himself and his teammate going forward.

Australia has previously employed a wicketkeeper as a specialist batter, with Matthew Wade playing in the middle order during Tim Paine's Test captaincy.

Carey and Inglis have played in tandem in one-day internationals as recently as the spring tour of the UK.

"He's (Inglis) playing really well. He's a great batsman," Carey said.

"I feel like if I can continue to improve as well and play as long as possible, and we've done it in white ball cricket as well, I think we can certainly co-exist.

"We both know our roles in the team and trying to play them both as best we can."

Carey (left) has been solid behind the stumps for Australia in Galle. (Getty Images: Buddhika Weerasinghe)

Australia's preference is for Carey to remain wicketkeeper.

Carey's three stumpings in the first Test were the most by any Australian wicketkeeper in Sri Lanka.

"As far as I'm concerned, it's his job," said Australia stand-in captain Steve Smith ahead of the second Test.

"From my point of view, I think he's keeping as well as I've ever seen him keep.

"He's batting beautifully too."

Australia will resume on day three of the second Test on 3-330, 73 runs ahead of Sri Lanka's first innings total.

Smith is unbeaten on 120.

AAP

Click here to read article