Josh Inglis Set to Rejoin Australia Test Squad in South Africa Following Finger Injury Recovery

Squad Return: Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis is set to rejoin the Australia Test squad in South Africa ahead of the second Test in Gqeberha (scheduled for October 18–22).

Injury Background: Inglis fractured his right index finger while keeping wicket during the opening ODI against South Africa in Durban in late September. The injury forced him to fly home to Perth for initial rehabilitation.

Surgery Avoided: Recent medical scans yielded encouraging results, confirming that he avoided surgery and that his recovery has progressed well enough for him to link back up with the touring party.

Selection & Role: While Alex Carey handles primary wicketkeeping duties, Inglis has played all of his previous Test matches strictly as a specialist batter. His final availability to play will depend on how well his finger responds in the days leading up to the second Test.

Squad Impact: Inglis's impending return—alongside ongoing evaluations of Cameron Green's fitness—gives coach Andrew McDonald and selectors additional depth and flexibility as they finalize their lineup for the remainder of the series.

The injuries meant that Australia rejigged their batting order for the first Test with Maddinson being thrust into the opening role in what was his first first-class game since March 2025. He struggled on the opening day, falling for a 33-ball duck which was the longest by an Australian opener in Tests.

However, Matt Renshaw's move down to No. 5 proved more of a success as he rescued Australia from 84 for 4 and 124 for 6.