Alex Carey and Josh Inglis to battle for the Aussie gloves for years to come

Josh Inglis was long the understudy to Alex Carey before usurping him in India. Now, both are in the side together – but who wears the gloves? BEN HORNE investigates.

Alex Carey and Josh Inglis are involved in an unusual head-to-head battle as two wicketkeepers who could remain in the same XI in red and white ball cricket for years to come.

At the moment they’re coexisting impeccably as the form batsmen in Australia’s Champions Trophy side out to knock off South Africa on Tuesday night and qualify for a semi-final berth many had doubted could happen with six starters ruled out of the tournament being held in Pakistan.

But the longer they play side-by-side and especially if Inglis permanently forces his way into the Test top six, selectors will have to confront a pertinent question:

Which man is the best credentialed to wear the gloves?

Josh Inglis (L) and Alex Carey (R) will battle it out to wear the gloves. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Many good judges across Australian cricket actually believe Inglis is the better keeper.

However, Carey’s outstanding form over the past 12 months, including an almost flawless display behind the stumps in Sri Lanka, has changed or at least softened some of those perceptions.

Carey has been without doubt one of the Australian Test team’s best performers since last year’s series win over New Zealand and his Test batting average of 35 is a mark of his class and consistency with the bat.

When Inglis stole Carey’s place at the 2023 ODI World Cup it shaped as a crossroads in Carey’s career.

But Australia would be delighted with how Carey has responded, because rather than be spooked by Inglis’ presence, it has in fact driven the South Australian to new heights.

At the moment selectors have been able to simply go along with the status quo which is Inglis is the ODI keeper and Carey is the Test keeper and there will be no issue with that method for the foreseeable future.

But at some point it’s possible selectors may have to decide who the out and out No.1 wicketkeeper in the country is.

Carey’s spectacular catch in the field in Saturday night’s first-up win over England – a grab which might go down as the catch of the tournament – was certainly interesting food for thought about his abilities and athleticism without the gloves.

Inglis has also shown he’s no slouch in the field.

Matthew Wade’s brilliant late-career surge as a specialist batsman in the Test team is certainly proof of the potential benefits in focusing on one discipline.

While ever Carey and Inglis are both justifying a place in Australian teams as batsmen, the better it will be for the team.

Josh Inglis of Australia celebrates his century during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match between Australia and England at Gaddafi Stadium on February 22, 2025 in Lahore, Pakistan. Picture: Sameer Ali/Getty Images

INGLIS PAY RISE?

Inglis could find himself getting a pay rise he never would have expected if he continues his dominance against South Africa and through the rest of the tournament.

Selectors will settle on its 2025 contract list after the conclusion of the tournament, and Inglis is quickly establishing himself as an all-format batsman following his remarkable matchwinning century to sink the country of his birth, England in the Champions Trophy opener.

All-format batsmen like David Warner, Steve Smith and Travis Head are rare, and Inglis could become one of Australia’s most vital assets if he is able to sustain his recent run of form across Tests and ODIs – particularly when you count his wicketkeeping as well.

Inglis looms as a legitimate chance of breaking into the top 10 highest paid players in Australian cricket this year.

Marnus Labuschagne is under pressure. Picture: Sameer Ali/Getty Images

MARNUS TURNAROUND?

Conditions in Pakistan for a one-day tournament are very different to what Australia will confront at Lord’s in June in the World Test Championship Final against South Africa.

But the more runs Marnus Labuschagne can make in this tournament, the more chance he will be of saving his Test place.

Labuschagne is on the ropes after a middling summer and the fact Inglis is fresh from a Test century on debut and Cameron Green and Sam Konstas are vying to crack their way back into the XI.

But Labuschagne’s mature 47 off 45 balls coming in at 2-27 set an important platform for Australia in its record chase of 352 to win before Alex Carey, Inglis and Glenn Maxwell did the rest.

After Inglis’ heroics against his country of birth, England, a Labuschagne hundred against his own country of origin, South Africa, would serve as the perfect statement innings leading into a WTC Final against the same Protea opponents.

Originally published as Alex Carey and Josh Inglis to battle for the Aussie gloves for years to come