Josh Inglis is likely to join Australia’s squad before the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha after making good progress in his recovery from a finger fracture. The wicketkeeper-batter is expected to link up with his teammates soon.
Inglis picked up the injury during the first ODI in Durban late last month. He then travelled back home for medical examinations and to start his rehabilitation. He avoided surgery, and his latest scan showed encouraging results, giving him a chance to return during the ongoing Test series.
Australia made changes to the squad while Inglis was unavailable, adding Sam Harper from the Australia A tour of India and recalling Nic Maddinson. Inglis brings extra strength to the batting lineup and can also provide wicketkeeping support. Although he has played all five of his Test matches as a specialist batter, his ability to cover different roles makes him a useful option.
Australia Face Batting Problems Ahead of Second Test
Head coach Andrew McDonald previously said that replacing Inglis was challenging because his absence meant Australia needed multiple players to cover the responsibilities he could handle on his own.
“It really turned into two players replacing Josh Inglis. If you looked at it like that, it wasn’t [just] another batter coming in. We had sort of flexibility with Josh and then Harper obviously takes the back-up glove role and then you’ve got where we got to with Nic,” McDonald said.
Australia’s selection problems increased after Cameron Green was ruled out of the first Test due to an abdominal injury he suffered during the final ODI in Potchefstroom. His availability for the second Test is still uncertain. Coach Andrew McDonald also suggested that Green might not be able to play as an allrounder throughout the series.
With Green unavailable, Australia had to make changes to their batting order. Nic Maddinson was given the opening role, making his first first-class appearance since March 2025. However, he struggled in the first innings and was dismissed for a duck after facing 33 balls. It was the longest innings by an Australian Test opener who failed to score a run.