Josh Inglis, Australia’s leading wicketkeeper in white-ball cricket, finds himself in a precarious position for the upcoming Test series against South Africa after a fractured right index finger ruled him out of the remaining two ODIs. The injury occurred during Australia’s fielding stint in the first ODI at Durban, preceding Inglis’ quick dismissal for three runs when he attempted a reverse sweep against Bjorn Fortuin. Prior to this, Inglis wrapped up the Zimbabwe series on a high, scoring his second ODI century in Harare.
The West Australian is due to return home for scans, with Cricket Australia stating, “His availability for the three-match Test series will be subject to further assessment and progress.”
His absence means Alex Carey will step back into the wicketkeeping role for the upcoming ODI in Johannesburg. Although Inglis often dons the gloves in one-day matches when both he and Carey play, Carey usually finds himself fielding instead. Currently, Inglis also serves in the Test squad as a potential option both as a spare batter and a reserve wicketkeeper. Despite making a scintillating Test debut century against Sri Lanka last year, his recent performances have waned, not surpassing 32 in his last six innings.
Should Inglis be unable to recover in time for the Durban Test, the Aussies face a predicament, potentially requiring a backup wicketkeeper in case Carey is injured. They flirt with danger this Sunday at the Wanderers for the second ODI, as bringing in a backup from Australia is not feasible within the timeframe.
Since debuting in the 2021-22 Ashes, Carey hasn’t missed a Test, marking his 50th outing against Bangladesh recently. Yet, Inglis stepped in with the gloves when Carey sustained a concussion during the Jamaica Test last year.
Australia A wicketkeepers, Josh Philippe and Sam Harper, are potential candidates for Test cover. While Philippe has had scant returns in recent India matches, Harper’s superb season with Victoria in the Sheffield Shield positions him as a strong contender. Another possibility could be Nathan McSweeney, or Peter Handscomb—last season’s top Shield run-scorer and an adept wicketkeeper.
The selectors face a delicate balancing act in deciding whether to risk not deploying a specialist reserve gloveman or reconsidering their choices, possibly opening paths for new inclusions. Meanwhile, the Sheffield Shield hasn’t yet begun in Australia, coinciding with the opening South Africa Test.
Australia’s last urgent wicketkeeper enrolment occurred during the 2023 Ashes, when Jimmy Peirson filled in as Inglis returned home for the birth of his child.
