New Delhi
Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has suggested that Josh Inglis, currently listed as a reserve batter, should be considered for the opening position in the first Test against India in Perth. Gilchrist’s comments come after Cricket Australia’s announcement on Sunday that Nathan McSweeney would open alongside Usman Khawaja in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy’s opening match on Nov 12.
The decision surprised some, as McSweeney, who recently opened for the first time in a game for Australia A, has not previously opened at the first-class level. Meanwhile, Inglis, a strong performer in Australia’s white-ball games, has impressed in the Sheffield Shield with a powerful 297 runs at an average of 99.00 in just two matches. Gilchrist believes that Inglis’ recent form and his ability to handle the new ball in white-ball formats make him a solid choice to open for Australia.
Gilchrist expressed that if selectors are committed to fielding their top six batters in the starting lineup, Inglis deserves a spot. ‘Inglis is in that squad as a reserve batter, which isn’t traditionally what Australia does in home conditions. I think McSweeney will open … but if they stick with the policy of the six best batters in the top six, Inglis should be included,’ he told Fox Cricket.
He further explained, ‘Inglis knows how to attack. Offense is his best defense, while McSweeney’s style may be better suited to a steadier approach with the new ball.’
