Will Inglis Miss the NZ Tour Due to Calf Strain? Carey Steps In

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Josh Inglis ruled out due to calf strain.
- Alex Carey steps in as replacement.
- Series starts on October 1 at Bay Oval.
- Significant for ICC Men's T20 World Cup preparation.
- 20th anniversary of the first T20I match between the two nations.
Melbourne, Sep 19 (NationPress) Australia’s wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has been sidelined for the upcoming three-match T20I tour of New Zealand because of a calf strain.
Inglis reported a right calf problem following a running session in Perth earlier this week, and subsequent scans confirmed his unavailability for the matches scheduled to take place in Mount Maunganui.
Alex Carey has been drafted into the Australian T20 squad for the series against New Zealand, which kicks off on October 1.
This isn’t the first calf injury for Carey, who previously suffered an injury while sub-fielding in last year’s Boxing Day Test against India, leading him to miss the rest of the BBL season ahead of his Test debut against Sri Lanka in late January.
A vital member of Australia’s white-ball teams, Inglis's fitness issues also prompt a reassessment for the red-ball format, as he is expected to serve as a backup to Carey during the home Ashes summer. He is anticipated to recover in time for the ODI series against India commencing in Perth on October 19.
Inglis becomes the fourth Australian player to withdraw from the series, following Pat Cummins due to lumbar bone stress, Cameron Green remaining at home for Sheffield Shield cricket as part of his Ashes preparation, and Nathan Ellis, who is unavailable due to the imminent birth of his first child.
The trans-Tasman teams will open the three-match T20I series on October 1, with all matches to be held at Bay Oval.
This series serves as crucial practice for both squads ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup next year in India and Sri Lanka.
Additionally, the series will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the inaugural Men’s T20I match held between these two nations in 2005 at Eden Park, Auckland.
Australia's T20I squad against New Zealand includes:
Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Alex Carey, Matthew Short, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Matt Kuhnemann.