Australia’s search for a Test opener against India has taken an unexpected turn, with New South Wales coach Greg Shipperd suggesting that white-ball wicketkeeper Josh Inglis should be considered alongside prodigy Sam Konstas.
Inglis, 29, has been in impressive form in the Sheffield Shield this season, scoring two centuries and averaging over 50. Despite never having opened in first-class cricket, Shipperd believes Inglis’ aggressive style and international experience make him a viable candidate.
“I’d have Inglis and Konstas in the conversation as one-two, two-one, and let the Australian selectors mull over those two,” Shipperd said. “His performances for Australia have been first-class, and I think they’re looking for a style of player at the top of the order, and Inglis may fit that brief.”
However, Inglis’ lack of experience as an opener remains a concern. He has only batted above No. 6 in first-class cricket, and his highest score in that position is 122.
Konstas, on the other hand, has shown promise as an opener, becoming the third-youngest player to score twin centuries in a Shield game. Shipperd believes Konstas has the skills and temperament to succeed at the highest level.
“He’s really poised and balanced. Anytime you get through the first 25 overs of a Victorian attack with a new ball that shows you’ve got something,” Shipperd said.
Despite Konstas’ impressive start, Shipperd acknowledges that he may benefit from more time in Shield cricket before making his Test debut.
“I’m not sure. That’s a very good question, though,” Shipperd said. “Yes, he was made to wait. So whether that made him or he was already made anyway, because he was scoring multiple hundreds across the course of that journey between him not being selected and then finally selected, I think at around 21.”
“But Sam, I do see a lot of that skill level and that poise at the crease, shots on both sides of the wicket, in front of the wicket, behind the wicket. I think he’s got what it takes.”
The Australian selectors will have a tough decision to make when choosing their openers for the first Test against India. Inglis’ experience and aggressive style could be a valuable asset, while Konstas’ potential and impressive start in Shield cricket make him an intriguing option.
