T20 World Cup 2022: Josh Inglis ruled out of the tournament after a freak injury while playing Golf

Australia's backup wicket-keeper Josh Inglis has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2022 after sustaining a freak injury while playing golf. The wicketkeeper-batter was rushed to the hospital after a golf club snapped his hand leading to a cut. However, later he was ruled out of the mega event, just a couple of days before the start of the tournament.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2022: Australia Team Preview

Inglis, however, was not due to play a World Cup game anytime soon as Australia had Matthew Wade as their first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. But the defending champions will now need a replacement for Inglis in order to have a backup option for Wade.

When taken to the hospital for treatment, a hand specialist confirmed that the 27-year-old's recovery would likely take weeks rather than months as there had been no tendon injury. Even if it takes two weeks, he would be sidelined for almost the entire group stage of the competition.

According to International Cricket Council regulations, Inglis is not permitted to re-enter the 15-player team after being replaced, barring a new injury. Though he was not the first preference, his wide range of talents made him a valuable backup option.

T20 World Cup 2022: Australia Squad

Aaron Finch (C)
Pat Cummins (VS)
Ashton Agar
Tim David
Josh Hazlewood
Mitchell Marsh
Glenn Maxwell
Kane Richardson
Steven Smith
Mitchell Starc
Marcus Stoinis
Matthew Wade
David Warner
Adam Zampa

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An official confirmation from the management is awaited, and it will be confirmed soon if Australia moves forward without a backup option or name a player as Inglis' replacement. Australia is set to open its T20 World Cup campaign on October 22, when they play the first game of the Super 12 stage against the previous season's finalists New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).