Wicketkeeper-Batter Rewrites Record Books with Scintillating Knock

In a display of sheer batting brilliance, Australia’s wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis etched his name in the record books on September 6, 2024, by smashing the fastest T20I century ever recorded by an Australian cricketer. Inglis’ scintillating knock of 103 runs off just 49 deliveries, at a remarkable strike rate of 210.20, propelled Australia to a formidable total of 196/6 in their 20 overs against Scotland in the second T20I at the Grange Cricket Club in Edinburgh.

Opting to field first after winning the toss, Scotland’s decision seemed to pay immediate dividends as young pacer Brad Currie struck early, dismissing both Australian openers, including the prized scalp of Travis Head for a golden duck. However, Inglis, who came in at number three, quickly steadied the ship in the company of all-rounder Cameron Green, the pair adding 92 runs to stabilize the innings.

Inglis Unleashes Devastating Assault

Inglis, who had previously scored a century against India in November 2023, was in no mood to hold back, launching a ferocious assault on the Scottish bowlers from the outset. His innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, with the right-hander finding the boundary with alarming regularity. Currie, despite his early success, was unable to contain Inglis, who smashed him for two consecutive sixes in the 17th over to bring up his century in just 43 balls, surpassing the previous fastest T20I hundred by an Australian.

Inglis’ knock was a perfect blend of skill and aggression, as he dispatched the ball to all corners of the ground with effortless ease. His innings included 12 boundaries and 5 towering maximums, leaving the Scottish fielders and spectators alike in awe of his batting prowess.

Inglis Equals Wicketkeeper-Batter Record

With his record-breaking century, Inglis also etched his name in the history books alongside South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, who had scored a 43-ball ton against the West Indies in 2023. Inglis’ achievement is made even more remarkable by the fact that he is the first Australian wicketkeeper-batter to score a T20I century, surpassing the previous best by a gloveman, which was held by Matthew Wade.

Fastest T20I Centuries by Australians: 

Australia Set Challenging Target

Despite Inglis’ heroics, the Australian innings lost some momentum towards the end, with Currie and Chris Sole bowling well in the death overs to restrict the visitors from reaching a potential 210 or 220. However, with the score at 144/3 in the 14th over, Australia would have been disappointed not to capitalize on their strong start.

Nonetheless, Inglis’ innings laid the foundation for a competitive total, and the Australian bowlers will be confident of defending 196 against a Scottish batting lineup that struggled to cope with the pace and bounce of the visitors’ attack in the series opener.

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