In a huge blow to Australia, wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has been ruled out of the ongoing Test and the Sydney Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Inglis suffered a low-grade calf strain while fielding on Day 4 of the ongoing Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). He was the substitute fielder for Mitchell Starc.
Inglis was expected to play in the fourth Test had Travis Head not been declared fit. It is a huge blow for Perth Scorchers as well. Inglis is set to miss the next few Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 matches as well.
"A replacement in the squad for the fifth Test match in Sydney will be announced in due course," said an Australian team spokesperson on December 29.
"Inglis is anticipated to be available for Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka which follows the home Test Series. His availability for the Big Bash League will be determined by his return to play management plan."
The 29-year-old is yet to make his Test debut. The Leeds-born cricketer has scored 3,095 runs from 58 first-class appearances at an average of 36.41 including seven centuries and 12 fifties.
McSweeney, the perfect replacement?
Nathan McSweeney is one of the few players who can replace Inglis in the squad. McSweeney who was given the opportunity to open in the Test series is traditionally a middle order player. McSweeney has scored bulk of his first-class runs batting in the middle order. However, he may not get the nod if they want a wicketkeeper-batter.
Meanwhile, Australia have the services of all-rounder Beau Webster who is yet to make his Test debut as well. Australia don't have another speciallist batter in their Test squad.
Australia's Test squad:
Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Beau Webster, Sean Abbott, Josh Inglis, Jhye Richardson