Inglis in doubt for South Africa Tests after fractured finger rules him out of ODIs

Josh Inglis is in doubt for Australia's upcoming Test series against South Africa after a fractured right index finger ruled him out of the final two ODIs of the tour. Inglis suffered the injury during Australia's fielding innings in the first ODI in Durban. He later made only 3 runs, falling while attempting a reverse sweep against Bjorn Fortuin. Cricket Australia confirmed that Inglis will return home for scans, with his availability for the three-match Test series dependent on the results of further assessment and his recovery. Alex Carey Returns Behind the Stumps Inglis' absence means Alex Carey will return to his regular wicketkeeping role for Australia's remaining ODIs. Carey has generally kept wicket when both players have been selected, although Inglis has taken the gloves in recent matches with Carey operating as a fielder. Carey will resume wicketkeeping for the second ODI at the Wanderers on Sunday. However, Australia face a potential shortage of specialist wicketkeeping cover if Inglis is unable to recover before the Test series begins. Inglis Has Been Part of Australia's Test Squad Inglis is included in Australia's Test squad as a reserve wicketkeeper and spare batter. He has played five Tests so far, all as a specialist batter, and has been used between No. 4 and No. 7. He made an impressive century on Test debut against Sri Lanka in early 2025. Since then, however, he has failed to pass 32 in his next six Test innings. The 30-year-old had recently produced a strong performance in Australia's ODI series against Zimbabwe, scoring his second ODI century in the final match in Harare. His latest injury now puts his participation in the South Africa Tests in question. Australia Could Need Another Wicketkeeper If Inglis does not recover in time to rejoin the squad, Australia could consider bringing in another specialist wicketkeeper. Carey has been a consistent presence in Australia's Test side since making his debut during the 2021-22 Ashes and recently reached 50 Test appearances against Bangladesh in Mackay. Australia would, however, face a significant risk if Carey were injured during the South Africa series without another specialist wicketkeeper in the squad. Inglis previously replaced Carey behind the stumps during Australia's tour of the West Indies last year after Carey suffered a concussion. Philippe and Harper Among Potential Options Josh Philippe and Sam Harper are currently with Australia A in India and could be considered if selectors decide to add wicketkeeping cover. Philippe has remained around Australia's white-ball setup over the past year, although he struggled in Australia A's recent four-day match, scoring 14 and 7. Harper has emerged as another option after an impressive 2025-26 domestic season for Victoria, where he made a significant impact as an opening batter in the Sheffield Shield. Australia could also consider a player who offers both batting and wicketkeeping cover. Nathan McSweeney and experienced campaigner Peter Handscomb are potential options in that scenario. Handscomb was the leading Shield run-scorer last season and has previous experience keeping wicket. Domestic Season Timing Creates Selection Challenge Australia's domestic first-class season has not yet begun, with the opening Sheffield Shield round scheduled to overlap with the first Test in South Africa. That leaves selectors with limited opportunities to assess domestic players before the Test series begins. The Australia A squad in India also struggled in its opening four-day match, with pace bowler Fergus O'Neill top-scoring with 47 and Jason Sangha making 46. None of the specialist batters reached fifty. Jake Weatherald, who was dropped after the first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin, is also unlikely to be brought back into the Test setup immediately despite scoring 92 in the One-Day Cup last week. Previous Reserve Wicketkeeper Call-Up The last time Australia called up a wicketkeeper other than Carey or Inglis to a Test squad was during the 2023 Ashes. Jimmy Peirson joined the squad as cover after Inglis returned home for the birth of his first child. With Inglis now facing an injury setback, Australia may once again need to make a decision over additional wicketkeeping cover before the South Africa Test series.