Josh Inglis played a pivotal role in Australia’s successful chase during an ICC tournament, showcasing his ability amid pressure after the team lost its fourth wicket. With over 200 runs still required, he and Alex Carey tackled the run rate cautiously, adding 146 runs in 116 balls. Inglis eventually scored a crucial century, sealing the win with explosive boundaries, including a massive six. His personal connection to England added intrigue to the match, but his focus was solely on contributing to Australia’s success. The atmosphere at Gaddafi Stadium, filled with both Australian and English fans, enhanced the excitement of the thrilling encounter.
Inglis realized that dwelling on these worries was futile. “We were around the run rate at the start, so that was a big assistance,” Inglis reflected post-match. “The partnership between Shorty [Matt Short] and Marnus [Labuschagne] was crucial. They laid the foundation and got us off to a strong start. Alex [Carey] and I didn’t discuss much while batting; Carey is quite reserved at the crease, so I felt we were doing well. I just focused on not glancing at the scoreboard too often, avoiding thoughts about the run rate, and continuing to bat as we had been.”
Australia was chasing what would be the highest target ever set in an ICC tournament, and despite his evident skills, Inglis had not yet made a noteworthy impact in his ODI career. Across 28 matches, he had tallied 543 runs with an average below 22, with a rapid 65 against West Indies in February 2024 being his most significant ODI performance. For Australia to come close, he needed to deliver a standout performance that his career had not yet prepared expectations for.
In the short term, Carey and Inglis effectively minimized risks while keeping the required run rate manageable. Similar to Australia, England had chosen a deeper batting lineup, compensating with part-time bowling options. Just two overs into their partnership, Carey hit two fours off Livingstone, followed by Inglis launching him for a six in the next over. This approach balanced the cautious respect they afforded Adil Rashid without allowing them to fall behind too significantly.
“We practiced here at night for the last couple of days, and it got really dewy around half-past seven or eight o’clock,” Inglis noted. “We understood that this worked to our advantage during the chase; if we could extend our innings long enough, it would challenge the bowlers at the end. The pitch was responsive, which helped our run chase immensely.”
“We knew if we could stay in the game with Maxi [Glenn Maxwell] still to come – everyone knows what Maxi is capable of. So, getting close enough for him to unleash his ability towards the end was definitely on our minds.”
Inglis and Carey navigated the run chase so proficiently that explosive batting became unnecessary. They accumulated 146 runs off 116 balls, and by the time Carey was dismissed at mid-off, Australia only needed to maintain a similar scoring rate.
That Maxwell hit the fireworks wasn’t a surprise; he took control against England’s premier seamers, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, blasting 31 runs off 11 balls. Inglis, however, matched his intensity, scoring his last 36 off just 14 balls. This included a massive six over midwicket off Archer to secure his hundred, followed by another six off Wood to clinch the victory.
“Under the circumstances, maybe it’s my best innings. It feels really special. In an ICC event, making an impact and helping your team win is what you aim for, so perhaps I’ll reflect on that later.”
Inglis’ connection to England adds an additional layer of narrative to his performance. Born in Leeds and relocating to Australia as a teenager, he mentioned as recently as 2022 that he still rooted for England. However, he remarked today that those days were “long gone.”
“It doesn’t matter who the opponent is,” he expressed. “It’s an intense, fast-paced tournament. We recall how we started the World Cup in India last year without a good beginning; you can’t ease into this Champions Trophy. You must be on your game from the outset. Hence, it’s very satisfying to secure a victory in our first match.”
While there’s no doubt about Inglis’ current loyalties, the crowd’s support could not be distinctly classified. With 26,232 fans filling the new Gaddafi Stadium, Australian and English flags were equally present, with cheers echoing for every six or wicket, regardless of the team. The exceptional quality and intensity of the match—certainly the best of the tournament thus far—kept spectators engaged until the very end, with few leaving before Inglis delivered the final blow.
“The atmosphere today was incredible. The new stands really enhance the experience. To play in front of a full house was fantastic; the noise was sometimes overwhelming, especially during the Mexican wave. It was a vibrant crowd and created a great ambiance tonight.”
Danyal Rasool is ESPNcricinfo’s Pakistan correspondent. @Danny61000