After conceding the recently concluded 5-match ODI series against England by the margin of 4-1, Australian players have upped their game by many folds to secure a place in the final in the ongoing Twenty20 Trans-Tasman tri-series.

While the David Warner led side thrashed New Zealand by 7 wickets in the T20I tri-series opener, they registered two thumping victories against England 5 by wickets and 7 wickets respectively. One man who has stood out for Australia in this unbeaten run is Glenn Maxwell. The swashbuckling right-hander has amassed 182 runs at a remarkable strike-rate of 168.51 in his three outing in the T20I tri-series thus far.

The 29-year-old Maxwell also recorded his second T20I ton in the second clash against England at the Bellerive Oval Hobart. Maxi’s 58-ball 103*led Australia to a 5-wicket victory with 9 balls to spare while chasing England’s target of 156. However, it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of wicket-keeper batsman Alex Carey, who took a much-needed single on the first delivery of the 19th over with Maxwell on 97.

A dot ball followed before Maxi smashed the England speedster Mark Wood over deep mid-wicket to complete his milestone. After the match, Maxwell acknowledged Carey’s contribution by gifting him a signed Kookaburra bat with a message, “To Alex, thanks for getting that single. Great partnership again. Best wishes.”

Addressing the reporters in Melbourne on Tuesday (February 13), Alex Carey talked about Maxwell’s heartfelt gesture and team camaraderie by saying: "I thought the bat was pretty average but the writing on it was awesome."

"It was obviously a nice gesture by Maxi and I think it just shows that the group is really close and we're having a lot of fun.

"For someone like Maxi to do that for me in such a short space of time shows that we've got some really good blokes in the side," he added.

The 26-year-old Carey, who was a key member of Adelaide Strikers' Big Bash League triumph earlier this month, also stated that he is keen to perform for his country.

"I haven't really had the opportunity to go out and play a big role with the stick but I'm working hard in the background. I'm still learning at this level. But I'm thoroughly enjoying it and I'm sure if I get more of an opportunity I'll be ready to go,” concluded Alex Carey.

Australia will take on New Zealand in the next T20I tri-series clash at Eden Park, Auckland on Friday (February 16).