Josh Inglis experienced unparalleled excitement when he received the news of his Test debut, epitomizing the joy one feels on Christmas morning. His outstanding performance on day two of the first Test match against Sri Lanka showcased his readiness for the big stage, as he completed a remarkable century, becoming the first Australian player in a decade to achieve this milestone upon his debut. Scoring 102 runs off just 94 deliveries, Inglis played a pivotal role in helping Australia amass a formidable total of 654 for 6 declared.
The road to this impressive debut was long and demanding for Inglis, who had previously represented Australia in 55 white-ball internationals but faced challenges in securing a spot in the Test lineup mainly due to the incumbent wicketkeeper, Alex Carey. Nevertheless, his strong performances during the early stages of the Sheffield Shield season significantly enhanced his prospects for selection as a specialist batter in the two-match series in Galle.
Inglis's anticipation turned into reality when he heard a knock on his hotel room door earlier this week. The moment he recognized it could be selector Tony Dodemaide, he felt a surge of excitement, recalling that the cleaning staff had already come and gone. He rushed to share the joyous news with his partner, Megan, and their son, Oscar, embodying the elation of someone who had finally seen the hard work pay off.
After Usman Khawaja was dismissed for a remarkable 232 runs, Inglis celebrated a personal milestone on the 90th ball he faced, marking his century—the second-fastest by a debutant in Test history. He reached this significant achievement with a well-placed shot to deep extra cover while acknowledging his family in the crowd, who were witnessing this remarkable moment unfold.
Inglis's century was a shared celebration with Carey, who has been a witness to Inglis's persistent journey toward earning his first Test cap. This camaraderie highlighted the supportive environment within the Australian team. As a member of the One Day International team that triumphed in the 2023 World Cup held in India, Inglis showed profound adaptability to the Test format and was evidently at ease from his very first appearance at the crease.
Displaying confidence, he boldly struck the opening delivery he faced from Jeffrey Vandersay for four runs to mid-on, undeterred by the fact that Vandersay had dismissed Steven Smith for 141 runs just moments before. Following an impressive lunch break, Inglis made history by becoming the third Australian in consecutive Test matches to achieve a half-century on debut, joining the ranks of Sam Konstas and Beau Webster, who had set similar records in the recent series against India.
Inglis's aggressive approach continued as he hit Vandersay for a six over long-on, propelling himself into the 80s, and capped off the over with a well-executed boundary through the covers. His strategy centered around being proactive at the crease, focusing on putting pressure on the bowlers whenever possible.
Inglis's achievement extended beyond personal success. He became the 21st Australian to score a century on his Test debut and the first since Adam Voges accomplished the feat in June 2015. The circumstances surrounding his selection, however, had sparked discussions, as his inclusion meant the exclusion of the promising teenager Konstas, allowing Travis Head to assume the opening position. The performance that Inglis displayed has undeniably complicated the selectors' decisions moving forward, especially with Head expected to return to his regular spot at No. 5 in home conditions and Konstas potentially vying for a recall at the top of the order.
At this moment, Inglis expressed a sense of fulfillment and humility regarding his debut. He acknowledged the gravity of what he had accomplished, noting that the full impact of his achievement had yet to truly sink in. This debut not only marks a significant personal milestone but also adds a thoughtful layer to the evolving dynamics within the Australian Test team, as selectors now face the challenge of balancing form and talent among the players. As the series continues, cricket fans can anticipate how these developments will influence future matches.