Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has publicly backed Josh Inglis as a candidate to open the batting in the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, questioning whether selectors are staying true to their philosophy of fielding the nation’s six best batters. Gilchrist’s endorsement of Inglis follows the announcement that Nathan McSweeney will open alongside Usman Khawaja for the series opener at Perth Stadium.
Cricket Australia confirmed on Sunday that McSweeney, who has yet to open at the first-class level aside from a recent Australia A match against India A, would debut as Australia’s 467th Test cricketer. The decision, endorsed by chief selector George Bailey, prioritizes McSweeney’s steady transition from No. 3 to an opener role, despite his lack of experience at the top order. Meanwhile, Inglis, known for his prolific contributions in Australia’s white-ball squads, was listed as the reserve batter after an exceptional start to the Sheffield Shield season, scoring 297 runs at an average of 99.00 in just two matches.
Gilchrist, a fellow West Australian, contends that Inglis’ current form warrants a spot in the top six batters, echoing the selectors’ approach last year, when they prioritized skill over specialist roles. During the West Indies series, Cameron Green was chosen as an additional batter, prompting Steve Smith to shift to opener.
“Inglis is in that squad as a reserve batter, which isn’t traditionally what Australia does in home conditions,” Gilchrist commented on Fox Cricket. “I think McSweeney will open âæ but do they stick with the policy they had last year when we want our six best batters in Australia playing in the top six?”
Gilchrist went on to highlight Inglis’ experience facing the new ball in white-ball cricket, suggesting that his aggressive style would suit the demands of Test cricket. “If they stay with that policy, for me, I would say put [Inglis] at the top of the order. I don’t see it as too much of a challenge for him,” he said.
While selectors see McSweeney’s more defensive approach as potentially better suited to opening, Gilchrist argued that Inglis’ offensive game could also prove valuable. “Nathan McSweeney’s a fine-looking player âæ they see that his game is a little bit more suitable for opening the batting, whereas Josh Inglis knows how to attack. Offense is probably his best form of defense,” he explained.
