Shane Warne backs Josh Inglis to succeed Paine as Australia’s Test wicketkeeper

With Australia’s Test captain Tim Paine aging 36, many fans and experts believe that his days in international aren’t many. Unlike most of his predecessors, Paine doesn’t boast of a staggering individual record, and Australia’s historic Test series loss against India earlier this year has made things worse for the veteran. Even his place in the playing XI has been questioned. Hence, several opine that Cricket Australia must find Paine’s successor soon.

While Pat Cummins and Steve Smith are in line to succeed him in the captaincy department, Alex Carey and Matthew Wade are the front runners to become the first-choice wicket-keeper. Former Australian spinner Shane Warne recently named another a new name in the latter race. He backed Josh Inglis to serve behind the stumps after Paine goes out of the picture.

Although the 26-year-old is yet to play an international game, he has been in red-hot form lately. Playing for Leicestershire in the ongoing T20 Blast 2021 in England, Inglis has so far slammed 531 runs in 14 games at a staggering strike rate of 175.82. His heroics in the tournament earned him a place in the London Spirit squad for the inaugural edition of The Hundred. Inglis has replaced fellow countryman Glenn Maxwell, and Warne, the coach of the franchise, seems delighted.

Josh Inglis is going to play for Australia: Shane Warne

“Unfortunately, Glenn Maxwell pulled out, so we replaced him with Josh Inglis … wow. He just finished the T20 Blast in county cricket, which is the equivalent to our Big Bash, he was the only player to get two hundreds and he got another 90 and an 80.” Warne told SEN’s broadcaster Gerard Whateley.

“He’s in great form. Very good behind the stumps. He’s going to play for Australia. I think he’ll be the keeper-batsman after Tim Paine. Watching him closely and getting to talk to him, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was the next wicketkeeper after Tim Paine for Australia in the Test match arena.” the veteran added.

Meanwhile, Tim Paine will next don Australia colours during the one-off Test against Afghanistan in November. The clash will be followed by the high-voltage Ashes 2021-22, and Australia’s performance in the series could well decide Paine’s future.