Australia will be without one of their key players for the remaining ODIs against South Africa after he suffered a fractured right index finger during the series opener in Durban. Despite the injury, the batter continued to keep wickets and later came out to bat in Australia’s chase. The extent of the injury has now ruled him out of the matches in Johannesburg on September 27 and Potchefstroom on September 30. Australia currently trail the three-match ODI series 0-1 after a 67-run defeat in Durban.

Injury rules Australia batter out of remaining ODIs

Josh Inglis suffered the fracture to his right index finger while keeping during South Africa’s batting innings in the first ODI. He carried on behind the stumps despite the injury and later came out to bat at No.4. Inglis managed only three runs from eight balls as Australia were bowled out for 238. South Africa eventually secured a 67-run victory to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

The injury has now ruled Inglis out of the remaining two matches. Cricket Australia confirmed that he will return home to Perth for medical scans to determine the full extent of the problem. Inglis had recently been in good form in the ODI format, scoring his second century against Zimbabwe in Harare. His knock played an important role in helping Australia complete a closely fought chase. Australia have not named a replacement for the remaining ODIs, leaving the team with a selection decision ahead of the next two matches.

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Test series participation also in doubt

The finger injury could also affect Inglis’ involvement in Australia’s upcoming three-match World Test Championship (WTC) series against South Africa. Inglis is the back-up wicketkeeper to Alex Carey in Australia’s Test squad. However, he remains in contention for a place in the playing XI as a specialist batter if he can recover before the series begins in Durban on October 9.

Cricket Australia stated that his availability for the Test series will be determined by further assessment and his progress during recovery. The timing of the injury gives Inglis a limited window to regain full fitness before the Tests. Australia will therefore continue to monitor his recovery closely as they prepare for the series.

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