Australia’s stand-in captain Josh Inglis has called being able to lead his country a “proud moment” ahead of the ODI series with Bangladesh on home soil and conceded that although the absence of senior figures Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head presented challenges for the squad, they also had players who will see this as an opportunity.
Inglis was handed captaining duties after set to serve as the vice-captain when Marsh and Head both pulled out of the Australia touring party just before series, with Inglis leading. The wicketkeeper-batter, however, kept the focus on today with his eye not necessarily set on future leadership roles despite the added responsibility.
Inglis said captaincy was a unique honour and that he is enjoying working with an inexperienced, somewhat juvenile group of players. It is tour which he thinks will give emerging cricketers much-needed exposure especially in subcontinental conditions where most of them are playing for the first time.
Losing players of Marsh and Head potentially herculean quality is a blow to Australian skipper who knows their value to the side. They are both integral to the batting line-up, and have a lot of experience with them. But Inglis sees their absence as a route for other younger players to get vital experience of international cricket leading into tournaments, including the next ODI World Cup.
When it comes to facing Bangladesh, Inglis indicated Australia would need to keep a close eye on fast bowler Nahid Rana. Rana, who was also recently named in the India A team for a tour of South Africa this month, has not seen much of the young pacer, but Inglis said Rana’s mix of pace and height makes him an exciting prospect who can trouble any batting line-up.
The Australian captain has also said that the team were very excited at playing in Bangladesh with a number of the squad, himself included, on their first tour there. The final combination of the team would be made only after gauging the pitch conditions on the eve of the first match, he had said.
Inglis, who was recently part of Australia’s ODI series in Pakistan, highlighted the need to adjust to changing playing conditions. In time for Bangladesh, he sees players needing to stick to their plans for longer and not letting opportunities get away. Misdirected approach -Australia see Bangladesh series as a building block considering the future international commitments with a young squad keen to make their mark.