Australia’s Ashes campaign has a window for a mid-series pause, and it has created an opening for some fun alterations. With the Boxing Day Test finishing inside two days, Cricket Australia (CA) has released Beau Webster and Josh Inglis from the Test squad, allowing both players to return to Big Bash League (BBL) action ahead of the series finale in Sydney.
Inglis, Webster to play BBL in between Ashes
Webster will turn out for the Hobart Hurricanes on Monday (Dec 29) against the Melbourne Renegades, while Inglis will rejoin the Perth Scorchers for Tuesday night’s clash with the Sydney Thunder. Both players are expected back with the Test group on New Year’s Eve, keeping them firmly in the frame for the fifth Ashes Test starting January 4.
“Both players will return to the Australian squad on New Year’s Eve to prepare for the Ashes Test at the SCG,” CA confirmed.
Webster has not played a Test this series after being left out in Perth and has spent much of the summer waiting on the fringes. But with Cameron Green’s struggles, averaging just 18.66 across the four Tests, the door has quietly opened. Webster’s stint with the Hurricanes could yet double as a live audition.
Josh Inglis’ chances of forcing his way back are slimmer after modest returns earlier in the series. He has batted thrice but has managed just 63 runs at 21.66. There is also growing conversation around Usman Khawaja’s future. The 39-year-old has endured a turbulent series and now approaches what could be a final Test at his home ground. Former fast bowler Brett Lee suggested the SCG might be the perfect farewell stage.
“That’ll be up to him, but it’d be a special way for him to go out,” Lee said. “Home ground, a chance to win the series 4–1.”
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