Josh Inglis: Should He Be Australia’s Next Test Opener?
Image credit : Perth Scorchers official website.
With Josh Inglis emerging as a serious candidate, the argument over who should open the batting for Australia in the next Test series has taken a new turn. As Australian Cricket is not considering Steve Smith as opener for the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy, new names are under consideration. Often referred to as a “right-handed version of David Warner,” Inglis is worth considering, according to renowned coach Greg Shipperd. Let’s examine why there has been so much discussion over whether Inglis will actually be Australia’s next Test starter.
Why Smith is not Condered as Opener for Border Gavaskar trophy?
Due to his crucial position in the middle order for the team’s balance, the Australian cricket board has decided not to nominate Steve Smith as an opener for the upcoming Test series. Smith performs best at No. 3 or No. 4, when it is essential to have his ability to counterattack after taking early wickets and anchor the innings. Opening doesn’t make the most of Smith’s talents since it calls for a certain technique and endurance against the new ball. Furthermore, exposing Smith to too many new bowlers may make him less successful, particularly as Australia has other specialised openers who are better suited for the position.
Josh Inglis’ Credentials as an Opener
With two hundreds this season, Australia’s veteran white-ball wicketkeeper batter Josh Inglis is dominating the Sheffield Shield. He hasn’t played in Test cricket yet, despite his prowess in restricted overs. Inglis’ aggressive attitude and capacity to dominate bowlers like David Warner make him an excellent choice for the opening position, according to Shipperd, a highly esteemed figure in Australian cricket.
Inglis has never opened in first-class cricket, though, which raises questions about his versatility as a Test opener. His T20 century accomplishments, however, demonstrate his capacity to excel in the longer format and suggest a bright future for him in Test cricket.
Sam Konstas: The Young Contender
Alongside Josh Inglis, Sam Konstas, a promising 19-year-old cricket player, is seen as a serious candidate for the starting spot. Konstas has impressed many with his maturity at such a young age, earning comparisons to a young Ricky Ponting. Konstas has demonstrated promise with his maturity and talents, even if he had a mediocre showing in a recent Sheffield Shield encounter, scoring two goals and forty-three. Greg Shipperd, the coach of Ricky Ponting, thinks Konstas’ poise and ability to withstand challenging bowling assaults would help him flourish at the Test level.
The Selection Dilemma
The appearance of both Inglis and Konstas has created an intriguing conundrum for the Australian selectors. With his technical prowess and capacity to play an extensive innings under pressure, Konstas is seen as the future of Australian cricket, while Inglis has international experience and a shown ability to switch between forms.
Whether the selectors focus on long-term potential or present form might ultimately determine the outcome. Inglis is currently playing well, which makes him a desirable short-term option. However, before being thrown into the Test arena, Konstas may benefit from extra time playing domestic cricket to hone his skills.
Conclusion: Who Should Open for Australia?
Another name that is under consideration is Marcus Harris, a left-handed opening batsman who has played few test matches so far. While Josh Inglis and Sam Konstas are both putting up strong arguments, the competition for Australia’s next Test opener is far from done. Inglis might provide much-needed firepower at the top of the order, based on his form and international experience. Konstas, however, is a long-term investment in the future of cricket in Australia. It is obvious that the selection will have a lasting impact on the Australian Test squad, irrespective of the path the selectors decide to take. As the series against India draws near, fans will be anxiously anticipating the final decision.
