T20 World Cup 2022: Australia's Josh Inglis ruled out of the tournament

Australia’s backup wicketkeeper Josh Inglis has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2022 after sustaining a freak injury while playing golf. The wicketkeeper-batter was rushed to the hospital after a golf club snapped in his hand leading to a cut and he was later ruled out of the mega event, just a couple of days before the start of the tournament, leaving the Australian side in misery.

Inglis, however, was not due to play a World Cup game anytime soon as Australia have Matthew Wade as their first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. But the defending champions will now need a replacement for Inglis in order to have a backup option for Wade in case of any unforeseen activity in the tournament.

When taken to the hospital for treatment, a hand specialist confirmed that the 27-year-old’s recovery will likely take weeks rather than months as there had been no tendon injury. Even if it takes two weeks, he would be sidelined for almost the entire group stage of the competition, leaving the selectors with little choice but to find a substitute.

According to International Cricket Council regulations, Inglis is not permitted to re-enter the 15-player team after being replaced, barring a new injury. Though he was not the first preference, but his wide range of talents made him a valuable backup option.

Although Cameron Green has only seen a small amount of exposure lower in the order despite recently excelling as an opener, he may be given the nod merely on the basis of talent and potential. The Australians now have to decide which of those is most crucial. Of all the options, Green has emerged as the frontrunner as head coach Andrew McDonald said he was “definitely a discussion point.”

An official confirmation from the management is awaited, and it will be confirmed soon if Australia moves forward without a backup option or name a player as Inglis’ replacement. Australia is set to open its T20 World Cup 2022 campaign on October 22, when they play the first game of the Super 12 stage against the previous season’s finalists New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).