Back-to-back fixtures did little to drain Nicola Carey’s enthusiasm. She walked into the press conference room late on Saturday night slightly unsteady, but smiling throughout. After all, two matches into the season, everything was falling nicely into place for her.
Carey made an immediate impact in Mumbai Indians’ opening encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, striking a brisk 40 off just 29 deliveries at a crucial stage before backing it up with two wickets and a sharp catch. She went one better the very next evening. Against Delhi Capitals, Carey chipped in with a rapid 21 from 12 balls, claimed three wickets and pouched three catches in a comprehensive MI victory.
Those contributions were all the more satisfying given her uncomfortable introduction to the tournament. In her first over of the season, Grace Harris took her apart for three boundaries and a six, forcing Carey to reassess her approach. Reflecting on the adjustments she made for Indian conditions, Carey explained that a change in length and intent was necessary after that bruising start.
“I definitely needed to tweak things after that first over—it was a tough one,” Carey admitted. “Against DC, I bowled into the wicket a bit more, which is what I had in mind. Maybe I got a little lucky too. With how I bowl, it’s hard to always tell exactly what’s happening, but I think I took it slightly off the surface. One of the wickets, Jemimah’s, was probably fortunate—it came off the outside edge.”
Whether it was modesty or realism, Carey’s assessment slightly downplayed the influence she has already had. Just two games into her WPL stint, she has shown enough to underline her value to any side. Still, she is fully aware that her place in the XI remains temporary. With Mumbai Indians set to face Gujarat Giants on Tuesday, Carey knows it wouldn’t be surprising if she finds herself on the sidelines again.
Moments after delivering a complete all-round performance in MI’s first win of the season, Carey deflected attention away from individual praise and spoke like a consummate team player. “I’m really hoping Hayley [Matthews] gets better,” she said. “She’s such an important part of our team, and ultimately we’re here to play as a unit and go deep in the tournament.”
The context was clear. Carey’s inclusion in the XI has come as a result of Matthews still recovering from a shoulder issue that has kept her out of the first two matches. Once Matthews is fully fit, Carey is likely to make way, regardless of how productive her limited opportunities have been.
Given Mumbai Indians’ retention of Nat Sciver-Brunt and Matthews, along with the reacquisition of Amelia Kerr and Shabnim Ismail at the auction, there was never much room for experimentation with overseas players. The defending champions have largely stuck to a settled formula over the past three seasons.
Carey understood that reality well before boarding the flight to India for her maiden WPL campaign. For the 32-year-old Australian all-rounder, this is a familiar scenario. Since her international debut in 2018, she has often waited in the wings, featuring in just 50 games for Australia across nearly eight years.
While far from ideal for a fiercely competitive athlete, Carey has learned to ensure that uncertainty doesn’t affect her output.
“When you look at the overseas players in this MI side, they’re all world-class,” Carey said. “So I had no illusions about where I stood. They’ve been here for years and achieved incredible success—what is it, two titles in three seasons?
“That makes the mindset pretty straightforward. I prepare as if I’m going to play every game anyway. Nothing really changes. Sometimes it’s last-minute—you’re in, or you’re not—but that’s just the nature of these tournaments. I’ve spent plenty of time waiting on the sidelines over the years, so you get used to it. If you do get the chance to play, you make the most of it.”
Matthews’ absence has also had tactical implications for MI, including pushing Amelia Kerr to the top of the order. While Kerr has yet to make a significant impact with the bat in that role, Carey has effectively filled the gap left at No.5, capitalising on her opportunity at the right moment.
“I’ve been fortunate to get a chance,” Carey acknowledged. “Unfortunately, it’s because Hayley has picked up a niggle. But she’s not far away, and it’ll be great to have her back. Then Melie can move back to a position where she’s dominated for years.”
Even as Carey hopes to see Mumbai Indians field their strongest possible XI, her performances have ensured that the team remains well covered—should one of their biggest stars continue to be unavailable.