Inglis expected to rejoin Australia squad before second Test

Josh Inglis is expected to rejoin Australia’s squad before the second Test against South Africa as he continues recovering from a fractured finger, leaving his availability for the match uncertain. The Test is scheduled for October 18-22 in Gqeberha. Australia has not confirmed whether Inglis will be fit or selected to play. Inglis sustained the injury during the first one-day international against South Africa in Durban in late September and missed the remaining white-ball matches and the opening Test. He avoided surgery, and a recent scan was described as encouraging. His return to the squad would allow Australia’s team officials to assess his recovery, but the finger must hold up before he can be considered available. Australia brought in two players to cover Inglis’s absence because he can provide both batting and wicketkeeping options. Head coach Andrew McDonald said Sam Harper was added as backup wicketkeeper, while Nic Maddinson provided batting cover. Alex Carey kept wicket in the Durban Test. Maddinson was selected to open in the first Test, which was scheduled for October 9-13. He was dismissed for a duck after facing 33 balls.