In a fresh leadership decision, Australia’s wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis has been named as the interim T20I captain for the upcoming series against Pakistan. Inglis will also take on the role of ODI captain for the third match in Perth, as several of Australia’s regulars—including Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, and Josh Hazlewood—rest ahead of the Test series against India.
This decision marks a significant step for the 29-year-old Inglis, who is set to become Australia’s 14th T20I captain and 30th ODI captain. Despite not having led in the Big Bash League (BBL), Inglis’s leadership abilities have been acknowledged previously, particularly when he captained the Prime Minister’s XI in a first-class match against the West Indies in 2022.
Reasons Behind Inglis’s Appointment
Australia’s selectors chose Inglis as interim captain due to the unavailability of regular T20I captain Mitchell Marsh and his stand-in, Travis Head. Both Marsh and Head are sitting out of this series, focusing on paternity leave and preparation for the India Tests. Cummins, Smith, Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Marnus Labuschagne are also absent from the final ODI to focus on their Test commitments.
According to George Bailey, chair of selectors, “Josh is an integral member of the ODI and T20I teams and a highly respected player on and off the field. He will bring strong tactical nous and a positive approach to the role.”
New Faces in Australia’s ODI Squad for Third Match
With many senior players resting, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, and Josh Philippe have been added to the squad for the third ODI in Perth. Lance Morris is also included, providing cover after Hazlewood featured in just one ODI in the series.
Coaching Staff Changes for the T20I Series
Australia’s regular head coach Andrew McDonald, along with batting and bowling coaches Michael Di Venuto and Daniel Vettori, will step aside temporarily. Assistant coach Andre Borovec will lead the team for the T20I series, with Brad Hodge joining as an assistant coach. Additionally, wicketkeeper Matthew Wade has been appointed as interim fielding and keeping coach for the series.
Australia’s ODI Squad for the Pakistan Series
- Captain: Pat Cummins
- Players: Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Josh Philippe, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Australia’s T20I Squad for the Pakistan Series
- Captain: Josh Inglis
- Players: Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Inglis’s captaincy comes at an interesting time for Australia, providing him a unique opportunity to showcase his leadership skills on the international stage. Cricket fans will be eager to see how this new lineup performs in both formats against Pakistan.