Australia has named wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis as captain for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan and the third ODI in Perth. Inglis, 29, steps in with several regulars unavailable: Mitchell Marsh, the usual T20I captain, and Travis Head are both out, while Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, and Josh Hazlewood will sit out the Perth ODI to rest for the Test series against India. This series will make Inglis Australia’s 14th T20I captain and 30th ODI captain.
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Inglis has limited captaincy experience at the Big Bash level, but his understanding of the game and steady presence have earned him respect in the team. Australia’s selectors appointed him to lead the Prime Minister’s XI in a first-class match against West Indies in 2022, showing their confidence in his leadership abilities.
Australia’s regulars are taking breaks to prepare for the Test season. Pat Cummins, Australia’s ODI and Test captain, and vice-captain Smith are both resting, along with other key players like Hazlewood and Starc. Australia will rely on Inglis for the third ODI, bringing in extra players Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, and Josh Philippe to round out the squad.
Former RCB player Josh Philippe returns to Australia setup
Philippe last appeared for Australia in a T20I in 2023, but his last ODI appearance goes way back to 2021. He only ever appeared in 3 ODIs for Australia. His T20I stint for the national side was also unsuccessful as he averaged just 12.5 across 12 T20Is.
Philippe appeared for RCB in five matches in 2020, with a highest score of 33 and averaged just 19.5 in the season. In 2021, he made himself unavailable for the rest of the season after which RCB replaced him with New Zealand opener Finn Allen.
Meanwhile, Australia has also made some adjustments to its coaching setup for the T20 series. Head coach Andrew McDonald and his assistants will step aside briefly, with Andre Borovec taking over as acting head coach. Former Australian batter Brad Hodge joins as assistant coach, and Matthew Wade, who has previously captained in T20Is, will be the interim fielding and keeping coach.
Australia’s ODI Squad vs Pakistan
Pat Cummins (capt), 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 vs Pakistan
Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (capt), Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
With key players out, this series will give Inglis a chance to show his leadership while offering younger players more game time alongside experienced names like Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa.
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