Josh Inglis set for Gabba call-up with Khawaja injured
Jasper Bruce |
Josh Inglis is set to be called up for his first Test match on home soil after Usman Khawaja’s back injury ruled the veteran out of the second Ashes Test.
Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith is expected to confirm the news at a press conference in Brisbane at 1:15pm local time.
Inglis looks set to slot into the middle order, with Travis Head to remain at the top after scoring a century as Khawaja’s second-innings replacement there in the first Test victory.
The match that begins Thursday will be Inglis’ fourth in the baggy green after making a memorable century on debut in Sri Lanka earlier this year.
The English-born batter averages 29.75 across three Tests, unable to go on to a big score after that debut in Galle.
Towering allrounder Beau Webster had been considered the other candidate to join the XI for the day-night match at the Gabba.
But in a strong sign Inglis was closing in on selection, the 30-year-old on Tuesday spent extensive time training in the slips cordon, Khawaja’s usual fielding spot.
Inglis is known for his proactive approach with the bat so is set to provide extra batting firepower after a tough first innings at the crease for the hosts in Perth.
AAP
