WA wicketkeeper Josh Inglis named Australia captain for Pakistan matches

WA wicketkeeper Josh Inglis to lead Australia at the upcoming Pakistan matches as stars are pulled from squad to focus on Test Summer series.

The rise of wicketkeeper Josh Inglis continues, with the West Australian set to captain Australia in a one-dayer and three Twenty20 internationals against Pakistan.

Inglis, 29, will lead the Aussies in Sunday’s one-day international in Perth as well as the three T20s that follow in the absence of Test stars including Pat Cummins, Mitch Marsh and Travis Head, all of whom will be preparing for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

Josh Inglis has been named Australia captain for upcoming one day and T20 matches. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith have all been pulled from the Aussie squad for the third game of the ODI series as selectors prioritise the Test series.

Spencer Johnson and Josh Philippe will join Lance Morris and Xavier Bartlett as additions to the squad for the third ODI.

Victorian Will Sutherland was set to be added to the group before suffering a suspected side strain in a Sheffield Shield match against South Australia.

“Josh is an integral member of the ODI and T20I teams and a highly respected player on and off the field. He has led Australia A previously and will bring strong tactical nous and a positive approach to the role,” selection chair George Bailey said.

Senior players in Marcus Stoinis (L) and Glenn Maxwell are set to support Inglis. Picture: TAUSEEF MUSTAFA / AFP

“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 England-born Inglis has played 24 ODIs and 26 T20s and was a part of the World Cup-winning side in India last year, coming into the team early in the tournament at the expense of Alex Carey.

Inglis has been in red-hot form for WA in the Shield, leading to calls for him to be considered as a Test opener, however Bailey said he is not in the mix for that role. Inglis is however likely to be strongly in the mix as a middle-order Test option should a vacancy arise.

Originally published as WA wicketkeeper Josh Inglis named Australia captain for Pakistan matches