Josh Inglis’ quick rise of form throughout the first-class Sheffield Shield campaign had selectors questioning if he would be a likely new replacement for Tim Paine, Australia’s most recent Test wicketkeeper and Test captain.
Throughout the Sheffield Shield 2020-21 campaign, Inglis made 585 runs including his three first-class hundreds.
With this consistent form, he made 400 runs in the following Big Bash season for the Perth Scorchers.
Inglis’ flexibility to be moved from the top of the batting order to the middle was also taken into account by selectors.
Josh Inglis could be in the frame for a baggy green in the future. (Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Inglis was given his first chance to be with the Aussie squad during the most recent T20 World Cup, which was held in the UAE, despite not being part of any previous series with the squad.
The most recent cricket news had reported that Alex Carey had been named the new Australian Test wicketkeeper and is expected to make his debut in the Ashes, which will begin on December 8.
Carey had already been with the Australian team since 2017-18, being their go-to keeper in the Aussie ODI and T20 squad.
That is despite missing out on the T20 World Cup as he was replaced by Matthew Wade.
Potentially Carey has been selected due to his experience. Don’t forget that he has been vice-captain for the ODI side before.
Alex Carey is all but confirmed as Tim Paine’s replacement. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)
His most recent performance for South Australia would have definitely helped as he made another first-class ton.
And that could have been enough for the selectors to lock him in.
Both Inglis and Carey are two very capable batsmen, which we know Australia has been searching for.
For a long time either of these players had a very great chance of being selected in the Ashes squad, which left both fans and selectors conflicted with who they really want.
But either choice in my eyes should work out, as both players show very similar signs of playing styles.
And they have left most of Australia looking forward to how things will go in this next hyped Ashes series.
Pierro
Roar Rookie
On the upside labs and head did master the tricky deck in Queensland last shield game . Stands them in good stead . My concern remains Harris I’d have khawaja at top with warner or elevate labs who’s a machine at opening on effect as he’s so often coming in to bat within two or three overs anyway . Wouldn’t it then be amazing to get head and khawaja both in or head and maddinson.
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
@matth yes true hehehe - I only remembered after I made the comment he hasn't played a Test yet :laughing: Instead, I'll predict Carey's Test record will be poor by the end of this Ashes series. It's obvious from his lack of technique he's a limited overs batsman specialist.
Paul
Roar Guru
A nice first piece, Cameron, thanks for putting it together. You must also written this pretty quickly, given you were able to mention Carey's Test selection, which has only recently been announced. The one point you make which I think is really critical is the vice captaincy role Carey held in the ODI team. Given Paine's resignation of the captaincy, I'm very sure the selectors would have been keen to surround Cummins with as much leadership as possible and this might have been the one edge Carey had over Inglis. I'm keen to see what role Carey will take in things like field changes. MS Dhoni was great at that when he gave up the Indian captaincy to Kohli and I hope Carey has some licence to make changes if he thinks that's the way to go.
Paul
Roar Guru
Pierro had a golden run in 2019 Matt, but the quill pen seems to have run out ink since then.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
As I said, I wouldn't hold mediocre recent Shield stats (one 50 in 8 innings) against him. But don't think the figures you quote sway it his way. Since the beginning of the 2020/21 season both he and Inglis have played 9 Shield matches, Inglis averages 63, Carey averages 38. Although I wouldn't say that was decisive, either. I agree its important to look at the context of recent performances. No one really masters a tricky deck, they might minimise risk more than others, or just get luckier. I like the fact that Carey's one Shield ton in the last 12 months came against Hazlewood, Starc, Lyon, Abbott and Conway.
matth
Roar Guru
My first articles were not brilliant either .... nothing's changed really :laughing:
U
Roar Rookie
It’d be nice to have the luxury of picking the best keeper regardless of batting skills but this Aussie team can’t afford to do that with all the question marks about the batting lineup
U
Roar Rookie
He wont be. But he’s capable of bigger runs than Paine. That’s a start
U
Roar Rookie
Inglis should now put his head down and whenever he gets the chance, get big runs. It’s between him, Pierson and Phillipe for the next gig.
Pierro
Roar Rookie
Let’s not forget until 3 weeks ago Carey was averaging 62 in shield in 2021 easily the best of all keepers . 62* and a 32 three shield matches ago before the white ball century . All century and a tricky deck last shield match by all accounts with only head and labs mastering it out of the two teams over four innings . Tricky last few months to navigate after so much time off red ba cricket . Carey is the right choice right now . Inglis lurking though
Pierro
Roar Rookie
You say that rowdy but you couldn't remove Paine with a forklift after losing a series . I know it was the captaincy and sth Africa and Paine bailey bias that would have kept him on this summer but for some potential money grabber
Pierro
Roar Rookie
Was about to say same thing
Pierro
Roar Rookie
I did like that you quoted guns n roses emphatic track . It's a jungle put there...ok appreciate it's a new article but let's not state the obvious too much . For a great article read today's on wicketkeepers very insightful matt
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
"His most recent performance for South Australia would have definitely helped as he made another first-class ton." No, it was a 50 over innings, not a first class match. His recent Shield form was mediocre - averaging 22 over 8 innings with just one innings. That should have counted against him way more than one white ball innings with no slips catchers, plenty of gaps in the field on a flat track. But I wouldn't have held it against him too much either. Unless he was batting badly, longer term form over a couple of seasons and more is a better predictor of future performance. I would have given Inglis the nod, with an eye to the longer term, but Carey could be a safer option.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
"That is despite missing out on the T20 World Cup as he was re :sick: placed by Matthew Wade." Correction: Carey was replaced by Josh Inglis.
Rohan
Roar Rookie
No official announcement yet though? Isn't Inglis coming back to the sqaud after seeing his family in Perth?
Prez
Roar Rookie
how are you judging his very poor form?
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I always believe you should go with your best keeper and that runs are a bonus. That said Carey has international experience and leadership kudos so I'd be going with him. Especially as there is a new captain. Inglis, from all accounts, is great keeper will be around if Carey doesn't cut it. -------- Keepers seem to suffer from sliding-door selection opportunities than do bowlers and batsmen
Andrew
Roar Rookie
Please stop confusing “test” with “first class”.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Well then the "has" threw me. I can't help it, I have Venus and Mars in my communication house. ------- Semantics of pedantics is my antics