Australia’s preparations for the upcoming Australia vs New Zealand T20I series have been hit by a significant setback. Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis will miss the three-match series due to a right calf strain, with Alex Carey called up as his replacement. The series begins on October 1 in Mount Maunganui.
The injury occurred after Inglis felt soreness in his calf following a running session in Perth earlier this week. Subsequent scans confirmed the strain, ruling him out of the New Zealand tour. This injury adds to Inglis’s injury history, as he had struggled with a similar calf issue during the Boxing Day Test against India last year, which forced him to miss the remainder of the Big Bash League.
Inglis has been a key figure for Australia, especially in T20s, where his aggressive batting style and 360-degree stroke play have been instrumental in stabilizing the middle order. He also scored two centuries while batting at No. 3, linking the aggressive top order of Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head to power hitters like Glenn Maxwell and Tim David.
Australia’s Growing List of Absentees
The injury to Inglis adds to the mounting list of key Australian players unavailable for the New Zealand series. Team captain Pat Cummins is sidelined due to lumbar bone stress, while Cameron Green has been instructed to focus on Sheffield Shield cricket to prepare for the Ashes. Additionally, pacer Nathan Ellis is unavailable after the announcement of the impending birth of his first child.
Despite these setbacks, team officials remain optimistic that Inglis will recover in time for the ODI series against India, which kicks off on October 19 in Perth.
Alex Carey Steps In as Wicketkeeper
With Josh Inglis sidelined, Alex Carey is expected to take over the wicketkeeping duties for Australia. Carey will also likely slot in at No. 7 in the batting order, a position he has filled successfully in past T20 matches.
Carey’s presence ensures Australia remains in good hands, with his solid wicketkeeping skills and ability to contribute with the bat in the middle order. He is ready to step up and support the team as they aim to continue their dominant T20 form.
Australia T20I Squad vs New Zealand:
Mitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
Stay tuned for all the Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Cricket updates!