Josh Inglis Ruled Out of South Africa ODIs As Finger Injury Raises Test Concerns

Australia could be without Josh Inglis for the Test series against South Africa next month, with a finger injury now raising doubts over his availability. The wicketkeeper-batter has already been ruled out of the remaining two ODIs after fracturing his right index finger.

The injury happened while Inglis was fielding in Australia’s opening ODI in Durban. He stayed on to bat but made only three runs before Bjorn Fortuin dismissed him while he attempted a reverse sweep. The setback comes after Inglis had ended Australia’s previous ODI series against Zimbabwe on a high, hitting his second century in the format in the final game in Harare.

"The West Australian will return home for scans with his availability for the three-match Test series subject to further assessment and progress," said the official CA statement.

Alex Carey is expected to take back the gloves for Australia’s next ODI in Johannesburg following Inglis’ injury. The two have shared the team in recent matches, with Inglis keeping wicket and Carey playing in the field.

Inglis remains part of the Test squad, where he was picked mainly as a backup batter and wicketkeeper. He has featured in five Tests and has batted at different spots between No. 4 and No. 7. His Test career started with a century against Sri Lanka in early 2025, but his form has dipped since then, with his highest score in the next six innings being 32.

The bigger concern is his role for the Test series. If Inglis cannot recover before Australia’s Test in Durban next month, the team may need to add another wicketkeeper to the squad. Carey would otherwise be the only specialist option, meaning an injury to him could leave Australia without a replacement.

Australia will face the same concern in Sunday’s second ODI at the Wanderers, but bringing in another player from home is not possible at such short notice.

Australia could look towards Josh Philippe or Sam Harper if another wicketkeeper is needed. Both players are currently with Australia A in India, where the team has just finished the first four-day game.

Philippe scored 14 and 7 in Australia A’s big defeat in that match. He has also been part of Australia’s white-ball plans over the past year. Harper, meanwhile, has put himself into the picture after a strong 2025-26 season with Victoria, where he made a big contribution as an opening batter in the Sheffield Shield.

Updated Australia Squad for ODI Series Against South Africa

Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Ollie Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa.