Josh Inglis ruled out of Sydney Test, may miss remainder of BBL

Keeper-batter Josh Inglis has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The 29-year-old didn’t feature in any of the matches so far in the series but fielded on a couple of occasions. Inglis was unlikely to make his Test debut in Sydney and was the only back-up option for Alex Carey. In his absence, Australia are likely to add an extra batter as Peter Handscomb is currently the favourite. They may also turn to Nathan McSweeney, who was dropped after the third Test in Gabba.

Cricket Australia meanwhile confirmed Inglis’ injury. He has injured his calf strain and will be unavailable for selection for a significant time. The decision of him featuring in the remainder of the Big Bash League will also be determined after further assessment. 

“His availability for the Big Bash League will be determined by his return to play management plan,” CA said as quoted by Code Sports.

Interestingly, Inglis was the sole spare batter available to Australia for the Boxing Day Test. All-rounder Beau Webster was released from the squad on Saturday, December 28 to play BBL and now, in case, Australia need a concussion substitute, the hosts will have to turn to Sean Abbott. 

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As per reports, Inglis is expected to regain full fitness before the Australian team travels to Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series, starting January 29. The cricketer is an excellent player of spin and the team management is expected to utilise that and play him in the middle order as a specialist batter. In case he gets in, Mitchell Marsh may get rested. 

Meanwhile, Inglis’ injury will be a major blow for Perth Scorchers. He featured in a couple of games this season and scored 49 runs off 35 deliveries against Hobart Hurricanes. The Yorkshire-born is a key part of the team and his not being there may jeopardize Scorchers’ chances to qualify for the playoffs.