Inglis set to lead Australia in T20I and 3rd ODI against Pakistan

MELBOURNE: Australia’s wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis has been named the interim T20I captain for the upcoming series against Pakistan, stepping in as several senior players prioritize Test preparations and paternity leave. Inglis, who will also captain Australia in the third and final ODI in Perth, becomes Australia’s 14th T20I and 30th ODI captain after receiving board approval following a recommendation from the selectors.

Mitchell Marsh, Australia’s permanent T20I captain, and Travis Head, who previously led the side in Marsh’s absence, will miss the Pakistan series due to paternity leave and Test commitments, respectively. Test and ODI skipper Pat Cummins, along with vice-captain Steven Smith and pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood, will sit out the Perth ODI to finalize preparations for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. As a result, Inglis will assume the leadership role for the series finale.

Inglis’ leadership will be bolstered by a reshuffled Australian squad, with Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, and Josh Philippe called up for the final ODI in Perth. Lance Morris, initially in Melbourne as cover for Hazlewood, remains with the squad after Hazlewood played only one game in Adelaide due to his Sheffield Shield commitments.

Inglis, 29, takes the reins at a pivotal moment as Australia balances its focus between limited-overs engagements and the upcoming Test season. With Cummins, Smith, Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Marnus Labuschagne resting, the interim skipper will lead a youthful side looking to make an impression against a competitive Pakistan outfit.