‘Strong tactical nous’: Josh Inglis named new white-ball skipper as he pushes for Test selection

Australian selectors have gone for a left-field choice to lead the team for the upcoming T20 series against Pakistan.

Josh Inglis will captain Australia for the upcoming T20 series against Pakistan.

The wicketkeeper is also set to lead the side for the third ODI on Sunday, with a stack of Test stars set to miss the match to ramp up their preparations for the India Test series beginning later this month.

Inglis will become the 14th man to captain the Australian T20 team, with incumbent Mitch Marsh on paternity leave.

The 29-year-old Inglis has had a hot start to the summer and has rocketed into calculations for a Test spot as a specialist batter for the Border-Gavaskar series. He took three catches and topscored with 49 in the first game against Pakistan on Monday.

This will be the first time he’s led the national team in white-ball cricket, with Inglis chosen ahead of teammates like Glenn Maxwell and Matt Short who have captaincy experience.

Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis will be Australia’s next white-ball captain after he was named to lead the side for the third ODI against Pakistan and the upcoming T20 series. Picture: William West / AFP

Inglis will become the 30th man to captain the ODI side, with Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson and Josh Philippe all included in the squad for the third match in Perth as cover for Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne who will finalise their preparations for the first Test.

“Josh is an integral member of the ODI and T20I teams and a highly respected player on and off the field,” national selection panel chair George Bailey said.

“He has led Australia A 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.”

Australia leads the three-game ODI series 1-0 following a two-wicket victory in Melbourne, with the second match in Adelaide on Friday.