After Tim Paine’s shock decision to step away from cricket to focus on his mental wellbeing, the position for Australia’s next wicketkeeper is wide open.
The two front-runners for the position are said to be South Australia's Alex Carey and West Australia's Josh Inglis, with the former reportedly receiving backing from at least one selector.
Despite not yet playing a game for Australia in any format, Inglis has been selected in the Australia A squad and is a real chance to make his debut for Australia in the first Ashes Test.
“I’ve just been trying to put my best foot forward,” Inglis said on SEN 1170.
“I’m incredibly privileged and happy to be with the Australian cricket team at the minute.”
The 26-year-old has impressed at domestic level for WA in red ball cricket, scoring 585 runs at an average of 73 in the 2020/21 Sheffield Shield season in which he scored all three of his first-class tons.
The wicketkeeper batsman’s white ball form earned him a spot in Australia’s T20 World Cup winning squad and although he didn’t get a game, Inglis says the experience was invaluable.
“Just being there with the main team and mixing it with the great international players that were over there for the World Cup. I’ll take confidence from that,” he said.
Inglis’ inclusion in the extended Ashes squad has reassured him that his skills with the bat and gloves are good enough to warrant selection.
“It’s mainly just mindset and playing the situation in front of me,” he said.
“I love batting and spending time in the middle. I think it’s really important for your wicketkeeper to be able to score runs.
“Runs are a bonus (as a wicketkeeper), but you do want to be batting well to give yourself the best chance of getting picked.”
The West Australian is determined that if he is to receive a baggy green, he will take the most of his opportunity.
“It would mean a hell of a lot (to receive a baggy green),” he said.
“It would be such a special moment for me. You’re representing your family, your friends, your teammates, and the whole of the country.
“It would just be a dream come true.”
The first Ashes Test begins on December 8 at the Gabba.