Australia wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis is in a race against time to be fit for next month's three-match Test series against South Africa after being ruled out of the remaining ODI matches in the country due to a fractured right index finger. The 31-year-old sustained the injury during wicketkeeping duties in Australia's 67-run defeat in the ODI series opener in Durban on Thursday.

How the Injury Happened

Inglis suffered the blow while keeping wicket in the first ODI, yet gutted it out to bat at number six despite the injury. He could manage only three runs before falling to South Africa spinner Bjorn Fortuin. The decision to bat on underscored both the severity of Australia's batting situation and Inglis's commitment to the tour, though it ultimately could not prevent the defeat.

What Cricket Australia Said

'The West Australian will return home for scans with his availability for the three-match Test series subject to further assessment and progress,' Cricket Australia said in a statement on Saturday. No immediate replacement has been called up for the final two ODIs — to be played in Johannesburg and Potchefstroom.

Carey Steps In for Remaining ODIs

The injury hands Alex Carey an immediate return behind the stumps, starting with Sunday's second ODI at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. In recent white-ball fixtures, both Inglis and Carey had featured in the same XI, with Inglis keeping and Carey operating as a specialist fielder. That arrangement is now on hold for at least the remainder of the limited-overs leg.

Test Series Implications

The setback creates a tactical headache for Australia's red-ball planning. Inglis serves as the primary backup batter and secondary wicketkeeper in the Test squad, having appeared in five Tests — including a century on debut against Sri Lanka in early 2025. Should he fail to recover in time, selectors may be forced to fly in a replacement to avoid entering the three-Test series with Carey as the sole gloveman. Australia leg-spinner Adam Zampa said Inglis was 'flat' about the setback. 'There was potentially an opportunity there for him to get into the Test team as a batter. With this injury, I think he's disappointed that opportunity might not come now,' Zampa told cricket.com.au. He added: 'I don't think the break is really bad — it doesn't require surgery or anything like that. He's headed home now. He'll be doing some rehab for a little while, and I think they'll test it out in the next little while.'

Series Context and What's Next

Australia currently trail the three-match ODI series 1-0 after Thursday's defeat in Durban, where South Africa's spin attack derailed a 288-run chase. The focus now shifts to whether Inglis can complete sufficient rehabilitation to rejoin the squad before the Test leg begins next month. His progress over the coming days will determine whether Australia enter the red-ball series with a fully stocked keeping department or are forced to make a late call-up.