Australia wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has been ruled out of the remaining two matches of the three-game ODI series against South Africa. According to Cricket Australia, Inglis has suffered a finger injury. He broke his right index finger during the series opener in Durban on Thursday (September 24). Despite a fitness setback, he came out to bat in a 298-run chase and amassed three runs off eight deliveries.

A day before the second ODI on Sunday, it was confirmed that Inglis will not be available for the next two fixtures due to the fractured finger.

Inglis’ injury is a big setback for Australia as the visitors are 0-1 down, following their defeat in the first game, and there is a possibility of him missing the three-match Test series next month.

Even though he is the second-choice wicketkeeper-batter in red-ball cricket, there was a chance of him playing as a specialist batter. If he recovers, he could compete in the SA vs AUS Test series, starting October 9.

According to a statement released by Cricket Australia, Inglis will be returning to Perth for scans, and his availability for the Test series is subject to fitness.

Australia haven’t announced a replacement for the injured player for the two ODIs, but they will have to name one for the longest format of the game if Inglis fails to recover.

Alex Carey will don the wicket-keeping gloves in the second and third ODIs against South Africa on Sunday and Wednesday.

Carey has been part of 94 ODIs so far and was included in the Playing XI during three one-day internationals against Zimbabwe last week. He was not considered for the first ODI against the Proteas at Kingsmead due to Cameron Green’s comeback.

Australia’s squad for 2nd and 3rd ODIs against South Africa

Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (WK), Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Olivier Peake, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Jack Edwards, Joel Davies, Xavier Bartlett, Pat Cummins