Melbourne, September 19(HS): Australia has suffered a setback ahead of their T20 International series in New Zealand, with wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis sidelined by a right calf strain sustained during training in Perth. Alex Carey has been recalled to fill the vacancy for the three-match campaign at Mount Maunganui on October 1, 3, and 4 .

Scans on Wednesday confirmed Inglis’s injury, making him the fourth prominent player absent from the squad — joining Pat Cummins (back stress), Cameron Green (Sheffield Shield preparation), and Nathan Ellis (paternity leave) on Australia’s unavailable list. This marks the second time Inglis has suffered a calf problem in nine months, following a setback during the 2024 Boxing Day Test against India, which kept him out of the remainder of the Big Bash League season. However, selectors are optimistic about his fitness for the upcoming ODI series against India, commencing in Perth on October 19 .

Carey’s recall solves an immediate selection dilemma for Australia, which had named no alternate wicketkeeper in their original tour party. Carey, who stepped in for Inglis during the South Africa series in August, was preparing for the Sheffield Shield but now rejoins the national side and may see reduced domestic play ahead of the Ashes and India ODIs. Despite modest T20 numbers, selectors favor his tested reliability with the gloves .

Australia’s injury woes highlight the difficulty in squad management leading into major events like the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, with only 15 players permitted and injury replacements strictly regulated.

Australia T20I Squad for New Zealand Tour

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

Australia will need to navigate these personnel challenges swiftly as they look to solidify combinations for upcoming international commitments.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar