Australia's wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis has been appointed as the interim T20I captain for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan. He will also take the captaincy reins in the third and final ODI in Perth, filling in for regular leaders Mitchell Marsh and Pat Cummins.
This move comes as Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Hazlewood will sit out the match in preparation for the upcoming Test series, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Inglis, 29, is set to become Australia’s 14th T20I and 30th ODI captain following board approval on the selectors’ recommendation. While Marsh, Australia’s regular T20I captain, and Travis Head, who previously stepped in as captain, are unavailable due to paternity leave and Test match preparations, the Australian selectors have turned to Inglis for his tactical insights and leadership experience with Australia A.
Chair of selectors George Bailey expressed confidence in Inglis, noting, "Josh is an integral member of the ODI and T20I teams and a highly respected player on and off the field," chair of selectors George Bailey said. "He has led Australia A [Prime Minister's XI] previously and will bring strong tactical nous and a positive approach to the role.
"Josh will receive great support from the likes of Matt Short and Adam Zampa, along with senior players including Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis."
The Australian squad for the Perth ODI will include additions like Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, and Josh Philippe, while Lance Morris remains as backup for Hazlewood. In the T20I series, Inglis will be supported by experienced players like Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, and Adam Zampa.
The coaching team will also see a shift, with assistant coach Andre Borovec stepping in as head coach for the T20Is while regulars Andrew McDonald and Daniel Vettori take a short break. Former batter Brad Hodge and wicketkeeper Matthew Wade will join as support staff, with Wade serving as the fielding and keeping coach.
Australia's ODI squad vs Pakistan: Pat Cummins (capt), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Josh Philippe, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Australia's T20I squad vs Pakistan: Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (capt), Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa