Aussie cricket star Alex Carey has pinpointed why the hosts are in the box seat to retain the Ashes - and why he has no plans to depart the Test arena anytime soon.

Asked why he believes the Aussies lead the Ashes series 2-0, Carey pointed to veteran paceman Mitchell Starc and his teammates seizing the big moments in Perth and Brisbane.

Carey, 34, spoke to the Daily Mail in Adelaide at a promotion for Coopers Pale Ale, who are giving away an all-expenses paid trip for two friends to fly to New York to have a beer at the ‘Old Mates’ pub in Manhattan.

'Starcy, he has been immense,' the wicketkeeper said.

'He had to step up with Pat (Cummins) and Josh (Hazlewood) injured... and hasn't he done so.

'Travis's century in Perth was incredible, and then you have Michael Neser (taking five wickets) at the Gabba and Brendan Doggett stepping up.

'We have a next man-up mentality, and we will look to continue that in Adelaide.'

After making his Test debut in 2021 against England, Carey quickly established himself as the nation's first-choice 'keeper in white-ball cricket - and he is relishing his time in the all-conquering XI.

'I always look for ways to improve, and know my role in the team,' he said.

'There have been so many highlights... it is an amazing group, I cherish my time playing for Australia.

'There has been plenty of external talk about the age of some players, mainly Usman (Khawaja)... our focus is turning up and executing what we set out to do.

'At 34, I hope to be around (behind the stumps) for a while yet.' 

Reflecting on the infamous Jonny Bairstow stumping at Lord's in 2023, Carey knows he will always be a villain in the eyes of some English supporters - not that he is losing any sleep over it.

'I'm fine with it,' he said. 'Obviously it was a talking point and I understand why.

'I wouldn't change anything... and I always remind Cameron Green it was his first career stumping (as a Test wicket).'

The third Ashes Test begins in Adelaide on December 17, with Carey and his teammates only needing a draw to retain the urn.

Coopers' 'Old Mates' promotion sees a $20,000 prize package for two, which includes flights, accommodation, spending money and loads of unforgettable experiences in the Big Apple.

To be a chance of claiming the major prize, beer enthusiasts need to simply buy a Coopers Pale Ale beer and upload a photo of a pint on the company website.