Inglis to replace Khawaja for Gabba Test, Head to open
Josh Inglis will replace Usman Khawaja and play his first Test match on Australian soil at the Gabba on Thursday.
Inglis is set to take up a middle order role in place of Travis Head, who will open the batting alongside Jake Weatherald, according to three sources with knowledge of team plans.
Josh Inglis will come into the side as a replacement for Usman Khawaja.Credit: Getty Images
Acting captain Steve Smith will address the media later on Wednesday.
Inglis has played three Tests for Australia – two against Sri Lanka and one against the West Indies.
He plundered 102 off 94 balls in his maiden Test innings in Galle this year to become the first Australian to reach triple figures on debut since Adam Voges in 2015.
Inglis comes into the Gabba Test in form, having hit 40 and 125 not out for a Cricket Australia XI against the England Lions last month.
However, due to international white-ball commitments, Inglis has only played one Sheffield Shield match for Western Australia, making scores of four and 28.
He managed 17 runs across two innings during his most recent Test against the West Indies in Barbados. In first-class cricket, Inglis averages 35.67.
Inglis’ inclusion means all-rounder Beau Webster could be snubbed despite a promising start to his Test career and being a regular in the team since the Sydney Test against India earlier this year.
Australia haven’t settled on their bowling line-up yet.
More to come
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
