AUS vs PAK: Josh Inglis Named Australia Interim Captain for ODI and T20I Matches Against Pakistan

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Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has been appointed as the interim captain for both the upcoming T20I series and the final ODI against Pakistan. Inglis steps into the leadership role as several key players, including Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, and Josh Hazlewood will rest.

The players will be resting to focus on preparing for Australia's highly anticipated Test series against India. Inglis, 29, emerged as the preferred choice for captain over senior white-ball players such as Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis. His selection also fills the gap left by Australia's regular T20I captain Mitchell Marsh, who is currently on paternity leave.

Cricket Australia confirmed that Inglis would receive ample support from experienced teammates, including Maxwell, Stoinis, and Adam Zampa, to guide him in his leadership debut. "Josh is an integral member of the ODI and T20I teams and a highly respected player on and off the field," commented George Bailey, Australia's selection chair. "He has led Australia A previously and will bring strong tactical nous and a positive approach to the role."

The decision to promote Inglis allows Australia's Test stars, including Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Marnus Labuschagne, to sit out the third ODI in Perth. This strategic move enables the players to fully focus on the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, one of Australia's key series of the year.

In the meantime, Inglis will captain an ODI squad bolstered by replacements, including bowlers Spencer Johnson and Xavier Bartlett, alongside fellow keeper-batter Josh Phillipe, who joins the squad specifically for the third ODI.

With Inglis taking on this captaincy role, he becomes Australia's 30th ODI captain since the format's inception in 1971, and its 14th T20I captain since the start of the format in 2005. Inglis' leadership experience, previously honed when he led the Prime Minister's XI, was a factor in his selection for this pivotal role.

Australia claimed the first ODI of the series, with the final two matches set for Adelaide on November 8 and Perth on November 10. The subsequent T20I series will commence on November 14, with matches scheduled in Brisbane, Sydney, and Hobart.

Australia ODI Squad:

Pat Cummins (c - first two matches), Josh Inglis (c - third match), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett (third match only), Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood (second match only), Spencer Johnson (third match only), Marnus Labuschagne (first two matches only), Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Josh Philippe (third match only), Matthew Short, Steve Smith (first two matches only), Mitchell Starc (first two matches only), Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

Australia T20I Squad:

Josh Inglis (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.