Josh Inglis: Rising Star in Cricket

Cricket, a sport steeped in tradition, continually witnesses the emergence of talents who redefine its boundaries. One such talent is Josh Inglis, whose journey from Leeds, England, to representing Australia on the international stage exemplifies dedication and adaptability.

Early Life and Background

Born on March 4, 1995, in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, Joshua Patrick Inglis was introduced to cricket at a young age. His early involvement in Yorkshire’s age-group cricket laid a solid foundation for his future in the sport. At 14, Inglis and his family relocated to Perth, Western Australia, which would significantly influence his cricketing trajectory. Immersed in Australia’s vibrant cricket culture, he continued to develop his skills, seamlessly integrating into the local cricketing framework.

Domestic Career and Rise to Prominence

Inglis’s domestic career began to take shape when he made his first-class debut for the Cricket Australia XI against the West Indies during their tour of Australia in December 2015. This opportunity allowed him to showcase his abilities on a larger stage. His List A debut followed in January 2017, playing for the Cricket Australia XI against the Pakistanis during their tour of Australia. These early experiences were instrumental in building his confidence and refining his skills.

A significant milestone in Inglis’s career was his Twenty20 debut for the Perth Scorchers in the 2017–18 Big Bash League season on December 23, 2017. His performances in the BBL were noteworthy; during the 2019–20 season, he amassed 405 runs, finishing just 20 runs behind the Scorchers’ leading run-scorer, Liam Livingstone. The following season, he surpassed the 400-run mark again, solidifying his reputation as a reliable and explosive batsman. His versatility as a wicketkeeper-batsman made him an invaluable asset to his team.

In October 2020, Inglis achieved his maiden first-class century, scoring an unbeaten 153 against South Australia in the opening round of the 2020–21 Sheffield Shield season. This performance underscored his potential and consistency in the game’s longer format.

International Debut and Performances

Inglis’s consistent domestic performances did not go unnoticed. In August 2021, he was named in Australia’s squad for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, marking his maiden call-up to the national team. Although he did not play in the tournament, the selection was a testament to his growing reputation.

His international debut came on February 11, 2022, in a T20I match against Sri Lanka. Later that year, on June 24, he made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka. Inglis’s adaptability across formats was evident as he seamlessly transitioned into the international arena.

A highlight of his international career was being part of the Australian squad that won the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. Inglis played a pivotal role, scoring 58 runs off 59 balls in a crucial match against Sri Lanka, helping Australia chase a target of 210. His contributions were instrumental in Australia’s successful campaign.

Leadership and Captaincy

In November 2024, Inglis’s leadership qualities were recognized when he was appointed captain of the Australian team for the third ODI against Pakistan and the subsequent T20I series. This decision came in the absence of regular captains Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh, who were unavailable due to various commitments. Inglis’s appointment was a testament to his tactical acumen and the respect he commands within the team.

National selection panel chair George Bailey praised Inglis, stating, “Josh is an integral member of the ODI and T20I teams and a highly respected player on and off the field. He has led Australia A previously and will bring strong tactical nous and a positive approach to the role.” 

Playing Style and Strengths

Inglis is known for his aggressive batting style, often attacking the bowlers from the outset. His ability to play innovative shots and find gaps in the field makes him a formidable opponent in limited-overs cricket. As a wicketkeeper, he is agile and sharp, with quick reflexes that have resulted in numerous dismissals behind the stumps.

His versatility allows him to adapt to various batting positions, providing flexibility to the team’s lineup. Whether opening the innings or playing in the middle order, Inglis has demonstrated the ability to anchor the innings or accelerate the scoring rate as required.

Recent Performances and Form

In the 2024–25 season lead-up, Inglis showcased exceptional form in domestic cricket. He scored back-to-back centuries in the Sheffield Shield, reinforcing his credentials as a top-order batsman. His performances caught selectors’ attention, leading to discussions about his potential inclusion in the Test squad.

Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy commented on Inglis’s form, suggesting that he could be a viable option for the middle order in the Test team. Healy stated, “Josh Inglis has been in great form, and his ability to play both aggressive and defensive cricket makes him a strong candidate for the Test side.” 

Future Prospects and Expectations

As Inglis continues to impress with his performances, expectations are high for his future contributions to Australian cricket. His adaptability across formats and his leadership qualities position him as a key player for Australia in the coming years.

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India on the horizon, discussions have emerged about Inglis’s potential role in the Test side. While traditionally a middle-order batsman, some experts have floated the idea of him opening the innings, given his recent form and aggressive style. However, national selection chief George Bailey clarified that Inglis is not currently considered a Test opener but may be included as a batting option for Australia this summer.