Josh Inglis to lead Australia in AUS vs PAK 2024 T20I series

Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis will lead Australia in the forthcoming T20I series against Pakistan, beginning on November 14 at the Gabba in Brisbane. The right-handed batter will also captain the national team in the third and final ODI against Pakistan, as the Test players will focus on their preparations for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne will miss the final ODI against Pakistan in Perth to prepare for the high-voltage five-Test series against Team India, beginning November 22. Pacers Spencer Johnson and Xavier Bartlett have been added to the squad, and so has wicketkeeper-batter Josh Philippe. However, the trio are available for the third game only. Josh Hazlewood joined the squad in Adelaide for the second ODI and is expected to feature in the playing eleven.

It will also be Inglis' first captaincy experience with the senior team. He will become the 30th player to lead Australia in ODIs and the 14th in the T20I format. He had led the Prime Minister's XI outfit in 2022 in a drawn fixture against the West Indies.

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c - first two matches), Josh Inglis, (c - third match), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett (third match only), Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood (second match only), Spencer Johnson (third match only), Marnus Labuschagne (first two matches only), Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Josh Philippe (third match only), Matthew Short, Steve Smith (first two matches only), Mitchell Starc (first two matches only), Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

"A highly respected player on and off the field" - George Bailey on Josh Inglis

George Bailey. (Image Credits: Getty)

Chief Selector George Bailey hopes to see Inglis bring a shrewd captaincy approach and expects seniors like Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis to lend him full support. Bailey said, as quoted by cricket.com.au:

"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. Josh will receive great support from the likes of Matt Short and Adam Zampa, along with senior players including Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis."

Australia edged out Pakistan by two wickets in the first ODI in Melbourne on November 4.