Inglis Steps Up as Captain for Australia’s T20I Series

Josh Inglis is set to captain Australia for the first time in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan. While the squad was announced last week, the leadership decision was confirmed only recently.

The 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batter will also take on the captaincy for the final ODI against Pakistan, filling in for regular skipper Pat Cummins, as well as Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith. These senior players will be sitting out to focus on preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Inglis assumes the T20I captaincy in the absence of Mitchell Marsh, who is on paternity leave alongside Travis Head. Inglis is set to become Australia’s 14th T20I captain and the 30th to lead the team in an ODI.

George Bailey, chairman of the national selection panel, noted that Inglis is a valuable member of both the ODI and T20I squads and is well-regarded within the team. Bailey highlighted that Inglis had previously led Australia A and will bring a strong tactical mind and positive outlook to the captaincy. Bailey also mentioned that Inglis will have ample support from experienced players like Matt Short, Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis.

Additionally, pacers Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson, along with wicketkeeper-batter Josh Philippe, have joined the ODI squad for the match in Perth as the senior players have a rest.