Ahead of the T20I series opener against India, in Canberra, on Wednesday, Australia have received a major boost as Josh Inglis has been declared fit by captain Mitchell Marsh. The wicketkeeper-batter is all set to bat at number three for the hosts.
Having missed the T20I series against New Zealand and the ODI series against India, Inglis is set to return after recovering from a calf injury.
“He’s fit and available, so obviously he’ll be back. He is a very important player for us. I dare say he’ll bat at three,” Marsh said on the eve of the match at the press conference.
Inglis has a decent record against India. In five innings against the Men in Blue, he has scored 163 runs with the help of one century, at an average of 32.60.
In the only T20I he has played at the Manuka Oval, Inglis smashed an unbeaten 21 against Sri Lanka.
Fresh from a successful tournament with the bat, Abhishek Sharma could pose a big threat to the Australian team. Marsh is aware of the challenge that the Indian opener presents.
“He (Abhishek) is an incredible talent. He obviously sets the tone for them. He’s been outstanding for the Sunrisers over the past couple of years. He provides a good challenge,” he said.
Marsh himself has been in good form. This year, the Australian opener has amassed 367 runs at an average of 40.78. His tally includes a century as well as two fifties.
“Like any other batter, you just want to contribute to winning games for Australia – that’s really all I’m focused on. When I’m batting, I’m not really thinking too much; I’m just out there as a batter, trying to build a really good partnership with Heady (Travis Head) or whoever I’m batting with. Hopefully, it continues,” he said.
After winning the ODI series, the Australian team will now look to claim the T20I series against India – a team that has not lost a single T20I series down under since 2008.
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