Australia Head Coach Issues Josh Inglis Injury Update For 1st Test vs Bangladesh

Australia shares injury update on Josh Inglis [Source: AFP]

Ahead of the first Test of the 2-game series against Bangladesh, Australia coach Andrew McDonald shared a crucial injury update on wicket-keeper batter Josh Inglis, who sustained a niggle during a practice game.

Australia is set to host Bangladesh in a 2-game Test series, and the first Test will be held at Darwin on August 13. But just days before the game, Inglis injured himself, and the Aussies’ planning and strategy for the Test took a hit.

Andrew McDonald shares positive update on Josh Inglis

Josh Inglis, who recently captained Australia in the away ODI series against Bangladesh, suffered a back spasm injury during Australia's intra-squad practice match at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.

Because of the discomfort, he left the field early, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming first Test against Bangladesh.  

However, speaking to the media, Australia head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that the injury is not serious. He added that Inglis has experienced similar back problems before. 

"He's had a back flare up. He has had these from time to time. There'll be no issue, it'll just be letting it settle down and then getting him back into work," McDonald said.

So, the current issue is a temporary flare-up rather than a new or major injury. The plan is to let the back settle before he resumes training. Overall, McDonald was hopeful that Josh Inglis should be available for selection for the first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin. 

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Josh Inglis unlikely to make it to the playing XI

Having said that, even before the injury, Josh Inglis was unlikely to be part of Australia's playing XI because Alex Carey is expected to keep wickets. Moreover, Cameron Green and Beau Webster are tipped to occupy the middle-order batting spots. 

So, the injury is not expected to affect Australia's preferred lineup significantly. As for Australia’s squad, Pat Cummins will continue to captain the team. Despite Bangladesh being a weaker opponent as per current form, the Aussies have decided to field a full-strength squad.

It’s because Australia doesn’t want to take the WTC cycle for granted. They are leading the WTC 2025-2027 table and are favourites to qualify for the final.

Inglis’ recent form doesn't guarantee him a spot in Test XI

As for recent form, Josh Inglis led Australia in an away ODI series against Bangladesh held in June. He scored 19, 34 and 21 in 3 games and the series eventually went in Bangladesh’s favour. 

It was a humiliating tour for Australia and Inglis was at the centre of it. But in the T20I series that followed, the Aussies registered a clean sweep to earn redemption.

However, Josh Inglis’ contribution was almost negligible in this victory as he scored 5, 11 and 17 in 3 games. So overall, Inglis has been struggling to score runs, and his poor form could cost him a place in Australia’s red-ball team.

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