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The Australia National Cricket Team wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has suffered a massive setback on the South Africa tour. Josh Inglis fractured his right index finger during the first ODI against South Africa in Durban, which ruled him out of the remainder of the ODI series.
The injury has also put Inglis’ availability for the upcoming three-match Test series against South Africa in doubt. He was hoping to add to his five Test appearances, but the finger injury could now put his place in the squad under serious doubt. Amid this, Australia Women set for historic Sri Lanka tour in December 2026.
Josh Inglis’ South Africa Test hopes in trouble after ODI setback
Josh Inglis suffered a finger injury while keeping during the first ODI against South Africa. Despite the pain, the 31-year-old continued behind the stumps for the rest of South Africa's innings before coming out to bat at his regular No. 4 position.
However, the star wicketkeeper-batter could score only three runs from eight balls before he was caught while attempting a reverse sweep. Now, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed that Inglis will miss the final two ODIs against the Proteas side because of a finger injury.
But they have not named his replacement for the South African side. This finger fracture has put his test availability under the scanner. Cricket Australia stated, "He would return home to Perth for medical scans, with his availability for the three-match Test series subject to further assessment and progress.”
Australia in big trouble as Inglis has history of injury problems
Australia could soon face a selection headache if Josh Inglis is ruled out of the upcoming Test series in South Africa because of his finger injury. With the series beginning in just two weeks, the selectors may have to soon find a replacement if the wicketkeeper-batter fails to recover in time.
Inglis has already faced several injury problems in recent years. He missed the 2022 T20 World Cup after a golf club snapped in his hand and badly cut his palm. And most recently, he has dealt with back spasms and also suffered multiple calf strains last year.
If his latest injury is severe enough to keep him out of the Test series, Australia will almost certainly need another player in the squad on the South Africa tour. Amid this, PSL 2027 set to clash with IPL as April-May window finalised.
Josh Philippe emerges as backup wicketkeeper amid Australia A struggle in India
Things have become tough for the selectors after Australia A suffered a 162-run defeat against India A in the first four-day match in Puducherry. Most of the possible test candidates failed to deliver. Jason Sangha, Jack Clayton, and Kurtis Patterson are the only available options averaging above 40.
Nathan McSweeney, Sam Konstas, Campbell Kellaway, and Peter Handscomb all batted in the top four for Australia A. But apart from McSweeney, nobody made an impact against India. A. If Australia decides to bring in another wicketkeeper, Josh Philippe could be one of the main options.
Philippe kept wickets for Australia A in the match and has also performed strongly at the A-team level in recent years. Sam Harper is another wicketkeeper currently on the tour. Jimmy Peirson could also come into consideration, having previously worked as a backup for Alex Carey during part of the 2023 Ashes series when Inglis returned home for the birth of his first child.
