Josh Inglis Ruled Out Of Australia vs South Africa ODIs, Likely To Miss Test Series Too

Josh Inglis for Australia (Source: AFP Photos)In a significant development, Australia will miss the services of Josh Inglis for the remainder of Australia vs South Africa ODIs, which are currently ongoing. Inglis, who fractured his finger during the AUS vs SA 1st ODI, may also miss the upcoming three-match Test series between the two sides, which begins on October 9.Cricket.com.au confirmed on Saturday the Josh Inglis's injury setback has worsened. He broke his right index finger while keeping wickets at Kingsmead, Durban. Despite that, he kept wickets for the rest of the innings and also came to bat at his usual No. 4 position.Later, things got worse once the match ended. In a statement, Cricket Australia said his availability for the three-match Test series between Australia and South Africa is ‘subject to further assessment and progress'. He is currently heading to Perth for medical scans.Australia, meanwhile, are already 0-1 down in the ongoing three-match series. While Inglis could only make three runs off 8 balls before falling to Bjorn Fortuin, Australia were bundled out for 230 in 41.2 overs after South Africa’s 297/8.Australia Confirm No Josh Inglis Replacement Required For South Africa ODIsHowever, Australia have not opted for a replacement for Inglis for the remaining two ODIs against South Africa, to be held in Johannesburg (Sunday) and Potchefstroom (Wednesday).This means Alex Carey, who has been in Australia’s ODI squad for South Africa, will keep behind the stumps in Inglis’ absence.Also Read: How Ball Tampering Unfolded When Australia Last Toured South Africa For TestsBoth Inglis and Carey have been picked in Australia’s Test squad for South Africa as well. There, however, Carey is a first-choice keeper. So, it would be interesting to see whether Cricket Australia opt for a Josh Inglis replacement for the red-ball series.Who Can Replace Inglis In AUS vs SA Tests?If Inglis fails to get fit before Australia vs South Africa Tests, Australia will have plenty of options to bring to the squad. Among them, for wicket-keeping duties, Josh Philippe, Sam Harper, or Jimmy Peirson will likely make the cut if they prefer a like-for-like replacement.Or, if Australia want someone in the top four and leave the wicket-keeping duties as a secondary choice, they could go with Nathan McSweeney, Sam Konstas, Campbell Kellaway, or Peter Handscomb.Inglis’ Run Of Injury Setbacks Goes OnJosh Inglis has repeatedly been hampered by injuries. Most recently, he had to fight a back spasm during Australia’s intra-squad practice game against Bangladesh in Brisbane last month.Before that, he suffered calf strains multiple times last year. However, the biggest setback came when he missed the 2022 T20 World Cup after a golf club snapped in his hand, badly cutting his palm.Now time will tell how much time Inglis, now 31-years-old, will take to recover from the current injury setback.Also Read: Fact Check- Did Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill Engage In A Heated Exchange Before IND vs WI 1st ODI?