Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has backed Josh Inglis for the opening role in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar (BGT) Trophy against India, suggesting that Inglis deserves the spot over Nathan McSweeney. Cricket Australia recently announced their 13-man squad and confirmed McSweeney as opener alongside Usman Khawaja for the series opener on November 22 in Perth.
Inglis has a strong case for the top six
Gilchrist raised questions about whether the selectors were departing from their usual policy of picking Australia’s top six batters. With a stellar start to his Sheffield Shield season, Inglis has shown he is in prime form, scoring 297 runs at an impressive average of 99.00 in just two matches. Gilchrist believes these performances make a solid case for Inglis in the playing XI.
“Inglis is in that squad as a reserve batter, which isn’t traditionally what Australia does in home conditions. I think McSweeney will open … but do they stick with the policy they had last year where we want our six best batters in Australia playing in the top six? Josh Inglis at the moment is in the six best batters in Australia. Do they break away from that policy? I think they will,” Gilchrist said on Fox Cricket.
Inglis as a viable opening choice
While McSweeney has only recently started opening, Gilchrist believes Inglis’ experience in white-ball cricket equips him well for the task. He sees no issue with Inglis taking up the opening position, despite his typical middle-order role in red-ball cricket.
“If they stay with that policy, for me, I would say put (Inglis) at the top of the order. I don’t see it as too much of a challenge for him; he faces a new ball in white-ball cricket. I don’t see it as an issue,” Gilchrist explained.
A Versatile all-round utility
Gilchrist also pointed out that Inglis’ inclusion in the squad reflects his value as a versatile player who can perform multiple roles. “It will be interesting to see. I think (Inglis) is in the squad more as a genuine, all-round, versatile utility that can do a number of jobs,” he added.
Australia’s squad for Perth Test
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc.
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