Backup Australian batter ruled out of 5th BGT 2024-25 Test in Sydney

Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has been ruled out of the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 with a strain in the calf. This will cause a dent in the Aussies' batting depth, with the five-match series heading for a close finish.

Inglis has been part of the squad throughout the series and was on as a substitute fielder on Day 2 of the ongoing fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). However, he copped a blow on his knee while fielding, which has ruled him out of the final Test in Sydney, a report by Cricket Australia confirmed on Sunday, December 29.

However, Inglis is expected to be fit and available for selection for the 2023 World Cup winners' tour of Sri Lanka next month.

"Inglis is anticipated to be available for Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka which follows the home Test Series. His availability for the Big Bash League will be determined by his return to play management plan," cricket.com.au quoted an Australian spokesperson as saying.

The Aussies will announce a replacement for Josh Inglis for the Sydney Test in due time, the spokesperson confirmed.

"A replacement in the squad for the fifth Test match in Sydney will be announced in due course," he added.

Inglis was due to play the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy if Travis Head had failed to make the cut in time. However, Head recovered well from his quadriceps injury to play the MCG Test, which delayed Inglis' debut in red-ball cricket.

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What is Australia 'keeper-batter Josh Inglis' record in first-class cricket?

The 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batter enjoys a decent first-class record while playing for Western Australia. He averages over 36 in first-class cricket, aggregating 3095 runs in 58 matches, including seven centuries and 12 fifties.

He was last seen playing red-ball cricket during a Sheffield Shield clash between Western Australia and New South Wales. The right-handed batter scored 66 runs across two innings, albeit in a losing cause.