Hold onto your hats, cricket fans, because the Ashes just got even more thrilling! Josh Inglis is officially stepping into the spotlight as Usman Khawaja's replacement for the second Ashes Test, and this move is bound to spark some heated debates. But here's where it gets controversial—is Inglis the right choice to bolster Australia’s middle order, or should the selectors have gone with the towering all-rounder Beau Webster instead? Let’s dive in.
Just one hour ago, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 2:30 AM, the cricket world buzzed with the news that Josh Inglis is set to don the baggy green for his first Test match on home soil. This comes after Usman Khawaja, the seasoned campaigner, was sidelined due to a nagging back injury. Stand-in captain Steve Smith is expected to seal the deal at a press conference in Brisbane later today, but the writing’s already on the wall.
Inglis, known for his aggressive batting style, is likely to slot into the middle order, adding much-needed firepower after Australia’s shaky first innings in Perth. Meanwhile, Travis Head, who scored a century as Khawaja’s replacement in the first Test, will retain his spot at the top of the order. And this is the part most people miss—Inglis isn’t just a newcomer; he’s already made a name for himself with a memorable century on debut in Sri Lanka earlier this year. This will be his fourth Test appearance, and expectations are sky-high.
But let’s not forget the numbers. Inglis averages 29.75 across three Tests, and while that debut century in Galle was spectacular, he’s yet to convert a strong start into another big score. Is this the series where he proves his mettle, or will the pressure of the Ashes prove too much? It’s a question that’s sure to divide opinions.
Beau Webster, the towering all-rounder, was also in the running for the day-night match at the Gabba. His versatility with both bat and ball made him a strong contender, but Inglis’s extensive training in the slips cordon—Khawaja’s usual fielding position—on Tuesday hinted strongly at his selection. Still, one can’t help but wonder: Would Webster’s all-round skills have provided a better balance to the team?
As the match kicks off on Thursday, all eyes will be on Inglis to see if he can deliver under the bright lights of the Ashes. Will he rise to the occasion, or will the English bowlers exploit his eagerness to make an impact? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—this series just got a whole lot more intriguing. What do you think? Is Inglis the right man for the job, or should Webster have gotten the nod? Let us know in the comments below!
