Uncapped wicketkeeper Josh Inglis is the new face in the Australian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE.
Inglis has been named in a 15-man squad, which also includes a number of high-profile players that missed the recent tours of West Indies and Bangladesh.
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“Josh has been on our radar for some time with his performances in white-ball cricket and more recently in the Vitality Blast, where he topped the run charts,” said chairman of selectors, George Bailey.
“He offers the squad flexibility in the batting order with his adaptability, counter-attacking ability and power striking. He is a player we are excited about for the future.
“I fully appreciate the ‘bolter’ look about it, but he’s certainly someone we’ve had our eye on for some time.”
Inglis made 413 runs from 17 matches for Perth Scorchers in last summer’s Big Bash League, at a strike rate of 140.
The 26-year-old started the tournament as an opening batsman, but spent the majority of the summer at number four. He was the leading runscorer for London Spirit in The Hundred competition in the UK.
The selection of Inglis as the reserve keeper and spare batsman means there’s no spot for Alex Carey, tipped by many as a future leader of the squad. Carey has already captained Australia in three one-day internationals.
But Bailey was keen to stress Carey remains very much in the frame for the 50-over side.
“It’s just based on performances,” he said. “We want to be really distinct in separating one-day cricket and T20 here, because the feedback for Alex on this most recent tour, his one-day cricket has been fantastic.
“I was highly impressed with they way he played, and the way he led the team in pretty challenging circumstances.
“We see him playing a lot more games for Australia.”
Steve Smith has been named in the squad, despite an ongoing elbow issue. Bailey says he’s “really confident” Smith will be fit, pointing out that the New South Welshman is now facing 100 balls in a net session without any discomfort.
But Bailey wouldn’t be drawn on what would happen if Smith is not fully fit, and whether he’d be risked at the World Cup or saved for the summer’s Ashes series.
“That’s a good question, I don’t know what the percentage would be. There’d obviously be a number where the risk would outweigh the benefits,” he said.
“We’ve got to place a little bit of trust in Steve, as someone who knows his body, and knows exactly what he needs to perform at the level that’s required.”
Australian squad: Aaron Finch (capt), David Warner, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Wade, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Josh Inglis. Travelling reserves: Dan Christian, Nathan Ellis, Daniel Sams
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