Gesture from Maxwell shows the group is really close - Carey

Australia's new look T20 team has enjoyed a spectacular start to the Twenty20 tri-series and the goodwill is percolating amongst the emerging group.

Even though they are missing a host of stars, an unbeaten Australia have booked a place in the tournament's final after three convincing victories over higher ranked teams England and New Zealand.

The team has undoubtedly gelled well and a snapshot of their harmony was veteran allrounder Glenn Maxwell's heart-warming present to newcomer Alex Carey after his match-winning century in Hobart.

With Australia closing in on victory, Carey unselfishly gave the strike to his partner Maxwell, who then clubbed a six to reach a memorable century and seal a convincing five-wicket victory over England.

After his breathtaking knock, Maxwell wrote an inscription on the bat: 'To Alex. Thanks for getting that single! Great partnership again! Best wishes, Glenn Maxwell. 103*'.

"I thought the bat was pretty average but the writing on it was awesome," a grinning Carey told reporters in Melbourne on Tuesday (February 13). "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.

Carey, the burgeoning wicketkeeper, has been part of a new group of players injecting energy and enthusiasm into Australia's T20 side. The inspired selections have reversed Australia's slumping limited-overs fortunes after a 4-1 hammering against England in the preceding One-Day International series.

Carey was a key part of Adelaide Strikers' Big Bash League triumph and memorably blasted a century as an opener during the tournament. However, he has been placed down the order for Australia and faced just five balls from two innings.

The 26-year-old, who was a professional Australian Rules football player earlier in the decade, believed he could perform if a greater opportunity presented. "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," he said. "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."