Josh Inglis Returns to Australia Squad Ahead of Second South Africa Test

Josh Inglis is anticipated to rejoin the Australia Test team before to the second match against South Africa at Gqeberha, which is scheduled for October 18-22, 2026. The wicketkeeper-batsman was sidelined for the remainder of the one-day series after sustaining an injury in the first ODI in Durban in late September 2026.

Josh Inglis is no longer in need of surgery after a recent scan revealed favourable results. The state of his finger in the days preceding the game will still influence if he is selected for the Gqeberha Test. Interestingly, he has not played behind the stumps in any of his five Test appearances to yet; instead, he has been a specialist batsman.

To compensate for his absence, Australia increased the size of their travelling team by two. Nic Maddinson was called in to bolster the batting lineup, and Harper was brought in from an Australia A assignment in India to serve as backup wicketkeeper. The first Test took place in Durban from October 9 to 13, 2026.

How did Australia handle Josh Inglis’ absence from the opening Test in Durban?

Australia changed their batting order and relied on both cover players in the series opener since Josh Inglis was unavailable. Maddinson was assigned the start in the game, making his first appearance in first-class cricket since March 2025.

He was dismissed for a 33-ball duck, the longest ever by an Australian opener in Test cricket. After being promoted to No. 5, Matt Renshaw was important in helping Australia recover from 84 for 4 and 124 for 6 by stabilising the innings on two occasions.

What is the most recent update on Cameron Green’s fitness ahead of the Gqeberha Test?

Josh Inglis isn’t the only injured person in Australia. Cameron Green was forced to miss the Durban Test after suffering an abdominal injury in the previous ODI in Potchefstroom. It is still unknown whether he will be able to play in the second game.

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Green was unlikely to play as an all-rounder throughout the series, according to head coach Andrew McDonald. Thus, Maddinson’s continued involvement in the team serves two purposes: it provides batting cover in the event that Green’s rehabilitation is postponed until later in the tour.