MELBOURNE: Australia suffered a significant blow in the ongoing five-match Test series against India as backup wicketkeeper batter Josh Inglis has been ruled out of the fifth Test, scheduled to kick off on January 3, 2025.
The back-up keeper-batter sustained a calf strain while fielding as a substitute on the second day of the fourth Test, underway here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Cricket Australia (CA) spokesperson later confirmed that the 29-year-old has sustained a low-grade calf strain and will miss the final clash of the India series in Sydney.
"Josh Inglis sustained a low-grade calf strain while fielding on day two of the fourth Test match against India and will leave the squad to undergo rehabilitation," CA shared in a statement.
“A replacement in the squad for the fifth Test match in Sydney will be announced in due course,” the statement added.
Australia, however, remained confident that Inglis will be available for their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, scheduled next month.
"Inglis is anticipated to be available for Australia's tour of Sri Lanka which follows the home Test Series,” CA added.
Their next month’s series holds equal importance for both Australia and Sri Lanka as the two teams are in contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Inglis, who played 56 first-class matches for West Australia, is yet to make his Test debut for the Baggy Greens.
The wicketkeeper batter, however, is an integral part of Australia’s white-ball sides and has played 29 T20Is and 26 ODIs.
