Huge blow for Australia! Josh Inglis ruled out of BGT 2024-25, dropped star could earn a recall

Australia have suffered a huge blow as the wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has been sidelined for the rest of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Inglis was the only spare batter in the squad and Australia can recall Nathan McSweeney back in the squad.

Inglis will no longer be available as the substitute for the rest of the Melbourne Test and the upcoming Sydney Test as well. It is a huge blow for Australia as his proficiency against spin bowling could have been useful for his potential selection for the Sydney Test.

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Josh Inglis suffers injury; ruled out of BGT 2024-25

Josh Inglis suffered a low-grade calf strain while fielding as a substitute fielder during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The injury turned out to be serious and he was ruled out of the whole series as a result. The updates on his injury were provided by Cricket Australia.

Josh Inglis was the only spare batter in Australia's squad after the fast-bowling all-rounder Beau Webster was released to play in the Big Bash League 2024-25. He was also the backup to Alex Carey as the wicketkeeping option.

Recently, Josh Inglis also played in two BBL games in the big gap between the second and third Test at Adelaide and Brisbane respectively. However, he was back for the third Test in time for national duties.

Nathan McSweeney could be back

With Inglis injured, the Australian selectors will be looking for a batter or a wicketkeeper who can be a backup to Alex Carey. Nathan McSweeney, who was replaced for the final two Tests for Sam Konstas, also might find his way back into the team.

McSweeney was earlier left out of Australia's squad for the last two Tests in Melbourne and Sydney due to his disappointing returns in the first three Tests. His replacement Sam Konstas performed exceptionally well in Melbourne and possibly keeps his place for Sydney as well.

Nathan McSweeney's versatility as a batter may earn him a recall. He bats in the middle order for his domestic side and can be a replacement for Mitchell Marsh for the upcoming Test match.

Australia's fast bowling substitutes

While Australia do not have a batting substitute, they have plenty of options in the fast-bowling department. One of the replacements, Scott Boland, is currently playing in the Boxing Day Test in place of Josh Hazlewood, who was ruled out of the series due to injury.

Mitchell Starc had a few niggles in between this Test but seems fine to continue for the next game. Sean Abbott and Jhye Richardson are the other substitute fast bowlers in the squad.

Australia will also play a two-match Test series in Sri Lanka against the hosts after the ongoing Test series against India. The two Tests will be extremely important for Australia as they push their case for a spot in the World Test Championship final next year.

Josh Inglis is an excellent player of spin bowling as he has the ability to counter-attack the bowlers. He can play sweeps and reverse sweeps and can be useful on turning wickets.