In the absence of regular T20I captain Mitchell Marsh and other senior players, Australia has appointed wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis as the interim T20I captain for the upcoming series against Pakistan. Inglis will also lead Australia in the third and final ODI in Perth, with Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, and Josh Hazlewood opting to rest ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
With Australia’s top Test players, including Cummins, Smith, Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Marnus Labuschagne, focusing on their Test preparations, Inglis has been chosen as skipper. Joining the squad for the Perth ODI are newcomers Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, and Josh Philippe, while Lance Morris remains as cover for Hazlewood.
Inglis, 29, will become Australia’s 14th T20I captain and 30th ODI captain after being recommended by the selectors. Inglis, who has not captained at the Big Bash League level, has earned respect for his leadership qualities, previously captaining Australia A in a first-class match against West Indies in 2022. Selectors believe he brings “strong tactical nous and a positive approach” to the role.
“Josh is an integral member of the ODI and T20I teams and a highly respected player on and off the field,” said Chairman of selectors George Bailey. He added that Inglis will be supported by experienced teammates Matt Short, Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis.
Australia’s coaching staff for the T20I series will also see changes, with assistant coach Andre Borovec taking the helm as head coach Andrew McDonald, batting coach Michael Di Venuto, and bowling coach Daniel Vettori take a short break. Brad Hodge joins as an assistant coach, with Matthew Wade appointed as interim fielding and keeping coach.
Australia’s ODI squad vs Pakistan: Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Josh Philippe, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
Australia’s T20I squad vs Pakistan: Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (c), Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.