Josh Inglis. (Photo Source: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
The legendary Adam Gilchrist opined that if Australia stick to their policy of playing their best six batters in the top six, Josh Inglis should get a chance to open alongside Usman Khawaja in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The Aussies have adopted this approach since David Warner retired from the longest format of the game earlier this year. They promoted Steve Smith to the top of the order instead of bringing in a specialist opener and this move allowed them to play the talented Cameron Green at No. 4.
Gilchrist’s comments follow the announcement from Cricket Australia that Nathan McSweeney will open along with Khawaja in the series opener at the Optus Stadium in Perth, starting on November 22. The right-handed batter, who opened for the first time in his first-class career during the second tour game between India A and Australia A, is set to become the 467th Test cricketer for Australia. Meanwhile, Inglis has been named as a reserve batter for the Aussies after his sensational start to the Sheffield Shield season, where he has amassed 297 runs at an average of 99 in two games.
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“Inglis is in that squad as a reserve batter, which isn’t traditionally what Australia does in home conditions. I think McSweeney will open but do they stick with the policy they had last year when we want our six best batters in Australia playing in the top six?” Gilchrist commented on Fox Cricket.
Offence is probably his best form of defence: Adam Gilchrist on Josh Inglis
While Gilchrist admitted that McSweeney’s defensive game makes him a suitable option to open the innings, he believes that Inglis’ attacking prowess could also work wonders for Australia as they look to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after eight years.
“Nathan McSweeney’s a fine-looking player. They see that his game is a little bit more suitable for opening the batting, whereas Josh Inglis knows how to attack. Offence is probably his best form of defence,” he explained.