Josh Inglis to Lead Australia in White-Ball Series Against Pakistan as Key Players Rest
Posted on November 6, 2024 by News Desk

Australia has announced wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis as the stand-in captain for the third One Day International (ODI) against Pakistan and the upcoming T20I series. Inglis will step into the leadership role with both ODI captain Pat Cummins and T20I captain Mitchell Marsh unavailable. Cummins, along with several Test regulars, will rest as Australia prepares for a five-Test series against India, while Marsh is on paternity leave.
Inglis: A Trusted Leader for Australia’s White-Ball Side
The decision to promote Inglis highlights the selectors’ confidence in his skills both on and off the field. Known for his sharp cricketing mind, Inglis has previously led Australia A and is respected by teammates for his strategic thinking. George Bailey, head selector, praised Inglis’s abilities: “Josh is an integral member of the ODI and T20I teams and a highly respected player on and off the field. His tactical understanding and positive approach make him an ideal leader for this series.”
Inglis will take charge in Perth for the third ODI and later at The Gabba in Brisbane as the T20 series kicks off on November 14.
Australia’s Strategic Resting of Players Ahead of the India Series
Australia’s selectors are carefully managing the workload of their core Test players. Alongside Cummins, Test stars Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith will sit out the T20 series to rest and prepare for the intense five-Test series against India, starting November 22 in Perth. This rotation strategy is aimed at keeping players fit and match-ready for Australia’s packed cricket calendar.
Fresh Additions to the Squad for Upcoming Matches
To reinforce the squad, pace bowlers Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson, along with wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Philippe, have been added for the third ODI. Hazlewood, who missed the series opener, will return for the second ODI match in Adelaide, a crucial fixture where Australia will aim to secure the series victory.
In the first ODI, Australia secured a thrilling two-wicket win over Mohammad Rizwan’s Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. With a lead in the three-match series, Australia is now focused on the second ODI in Adelaide, where they hope to claim the series title.
New Faces and Strategic Moves in Australia’s Test Line-Up
As Australia prepares for the transition from ODI and T20 cricket to the upcoming Test series against India, selectors are also exploring potential Test openers. David Warner, a long-standing opening batsman for Australia, has recently retired, leaving a key position open. In the recent Australia A matches, Nathan McSweeney has emerged as a candidate to open alongside 14-Test veteran Marcus Harris.
McSweeney’s consistent performance in the Sheffield Shield, where he scored a century and two half-centuries in two matches, has raised his profile. Cameron Bancroft and young batsman Sam Konstas are also under consideration, though Konstas has moved down the batting order following a challenging start in the series.
Meanwhile, India is sending early reinforcements, including KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel, to acclimate to Australian conditions before the Test series. India’s preparation comes on the heels of a disappointing 3-0 home Test series defeat to New Zealand, a rare whitewash on their own soil.
With Inglis leading Australia’s ODI and T20 sides and fresh talent stepping into the spotlight, the upcoming matches promise excitement as Australia strategizes for success across all formats of the game.