Australia suffered a huge blow as wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis was ruled out for the rest of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Inglis was the only reserve batsman in the squad and Australia can recall Nathan McSweeney back into the squad.
Inglis will no longer be available as a substitute for the rest of the Melbourne Test and the upcoming Sydney Test. It is a huge blow for Australia as his prowess against bowling could have been useful for his potential selection for the Sydney Test.
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Josh Inglis is injured; excluded from BGT 2024-25
Josh Inglis suffered a low-grade calf strain while playing as a substitute during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The injury proved to be serious and he was ruled out of the entire series as a result. Updates on his injury were provided by Cricket Australia.
Josh Inglis was the only reserve batsman in Australia's squad after fast bowling all-rounder Beau Webster was released to play in the 2024-25 Big Bash League. He was also supporting Alex Carey as a wicket-keeping option.
Recently, Josh Inglis also played in two BBL games in the long gap between the second and third Tests in Adelaide and Brisbane respectively. However, he returned for the third Test in time for national duty.
Nathan McSweeney could be back
With Inglis injured, the Australian selectors will be looking for a batsman or wicketkeeper who can back-up Alex Carey. Nathan McSweeney, who has been deputized for the last two Tests for Sam Konstas, could also find his way back into the squad.
McSweeney was earlier dropped from Australia's squad for the final two Tests in Melbourne and Sydney due to his disappointing returns in the first three Tests. His replacement, Sam Konstas, performed exceptionally well in Melbourne and possibly retains his spot for Sydney as well.
Nathan McSweeney's versatility as a batsman could earn him a recall. He bats in the middle order for his domestic team and can be a replacement for Mitchell Marsh for the upcoming Test match.
Australia's fast bowling replacements
Although Australia do not have a batting replacement, they have plenty of options in the fast bowling department. One of the replacements, Scott Boland, is currently playing in the Boxing Day Test in place of Josh Hazlewood, who has been ruled out of the series due to injury.
Mitchell Starc has had a few issues between this Test but looks good to continue for the next game. Sean Abbott and Jhye Richardson are the other replacement fast bowlers in the squad.
Australia will also play a two-match Test series in Sri Lanka against the hosts after the ongoing Test series against India. The two Tests will be hugely important for Australia as they bid for a place in next year's World Test Championship final.
Josh Inglis is an excellent spin bowler as he has the ability to counter bowl. Can play sweeps and reverse sweeps and can be useful in turning wickets.