As his recuperation from a fractured finger continues to progress, Josh Inglis is expected to join the Australia Test team prior to the second game against South Africa in Gqeberha, which is set for October 18–22, 2026. The wicketkeeper-batter was sidelined for the remainder of the one-day series after suffering the injury during the first ODI in Durban in late September 2026.
Josh Inglis is no longer in need of surgery thanks to positive results from a recent scan. The finger’s condition in the days leading up to the game will still determine his availability for selection in the Gqeberha Test. Notably, he hasn’t played behind the stumps in any of his five Test appearances thus far; instead, he has been a specialist batter.
Australia added two new members to their touring party to make up for his absence. Nic Maddinson was called up to strengthen the batting lineup, and Harper was brought in from the Australia A assignment in India to take over as backup wicketkeeper. From October 9–13, 2026, Durban hosted the first Test.
In Durban, how did Australia handle Josh Inglis’ absence from the opening Test?
Australia rearranged their batting order and relied on both cover players because Josh Inglis was unavailable for the series opener. Maddinson was given the opening spot for that game, marking his first appearance in first-class cricket since March 2025.
He was dismissed for a 33-ball duck, which is the longest duck ever made by an Australian opener in Test cricket. After being moved to No. 5, Matt Renshaw was instrumental in stabilising the innings twice, assisting Australia in recovering from 84 for 4 and 124 for 6.In actuality, Josh Inglis was replaced by two players. It wasn’t [just] another batter entering if you viewed it that way. According to head coach Andrew McDonald stated, “We had some flexibility with Josh Inglis, and then Harper obviously takes the back-up glove role and then you’ve got where we got with Nic.”
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The injury crisis in Australia is not limited to Josh Inglis. After suffering an abdominal injury during the final ODI in Potchefstroom, Cameron Green was ruled out of the Durban Test, and it is still unclear if he will be able to play in the second game.
Green is unlikely to play as an all-rounder for the duration of the series, according to head coach Andrew McDonald. Therefore, Maddinson’s continued inclusion in the team fulfils two functions: he provides batting cover in the event that Green’s return is postponed until later in the tour.
