Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has been appointed as the interim captain for both the upcoming T20I series and the final ODI against Pakistan. Inglis, 29, takes on this leadership role as several of Australia’s key players—including regular captain Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, and Josh Hazlewood—will be resting to focus on preparing for the highly anticipated Test series against India, which is set to take place shortly after the limited-overs matches.
Inglis steps in as captain in the absence of Mitchell Marsh, who is currently on paternity leave. His appointment over other senior white-ball players like Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis reflects his growing leadership potential. Cricket Australia has confirmed that Inglis will receive strong support from experienced teammates, including Maxwell, Stoinis, and Adam Zampa, to guide him in this new role. George Bailey, Australia’s selection chair, praised Inglis as “an integral member of the ODI and T20I teams” and emphasized his respect both on and off the field. “He has led Australia A previously and will bring strong tactical nous and a positive approach to the role,” Bailey commented.
This strategic move allows Australia’s Test stars, including Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Marnus Labuschagne, to sit out the third ODI in Perth, enabling them to fully prepare for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, which is one of the most important series of the year for Australia.
Inglis’ leadership experience, particularly from his time captaining the Prime Minister’s XI, made him a natural choice for this pivotal role. As he assumes the captaincy, Inglis will lead an ODI squad that includes replacements such as bowlers Spencer Johnson and Xavier Bartlett, alongside fellow keeper-batter Josh Phillipe, who joins the squad specifically for the third ODI.
With Inglis taking on this responsibility, he becomes Australia’s 30th ODI captain since the format’s inception in 1971 and the 14th T20I captain since the format began in 2005. His leadership will be crucial in steering the team through these matches while providing an opportunity for other players to rest and prepare for the Test series.
Squad for the ODI and T20I series:
ODI Squad:
Pat Cummins (captain - first two matches), Josh Inglis (captain - third match), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett (third match only), Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood (second match only), Spencer Johnson (third match only), Marnus Labuschagne (first two matches only), Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Josh Philippe (third match only), Matthew Short, Steve Smith (first two matches only), Mitchell Starc (first two matches only), Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
T20I Squad:
Josh Inglis (captain), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
