Why Josh Inglis Trended in India: ODI Century, Test Squad Spot and the South Africa Series

Josh Inglis trended on Google India on 25 September 2026, with roughly 500 searches and a 500% growth spike in the past 24 hours, according to Google Trends India. The spike followed the Australian wicketkeeper-batter's run-a-ball 102 against Zimbabwe in Harare and growing talk that his white-ball form could earn him a bigger role in Australia's Test series against South Africa, which began on 9 October 2026 in Durban.

The innings that sparked the searches

Inglis posted a run-a-ball 102 in the final ODI of Australia's three-match tour of Zimbabwe in Harare, his second one-day century in quick succession. Alongside him, Cooper Connolly was named player of the series after scoring 51, 78 and 21 while also taking three wickets. Both players then travelled to Durban in strong form, pressing their cases for Test recalls, as reported by cricket.com.au on 22 September 2026.

Why ODI runs matter for Test selection

Australia coach Andrew McDonald said both Connolly and Inglis were "firmly in the mix" to bat at No.3 in the South Africa Test series, with incumbent Marnus Labuschagne described as no certainty to hold the spot. McDonald and the selectors have stated they view ODI cricket as something of a Test proving ground, meaning 50-over runs against largely the same South African bowlers could carry real weight.

The caveat is experience: Inglis has batted above No.5 only nine times in 107 first-class innings, though two of those came at No.4 in the Barbados Test last year. He also made a Test century on debut in Sri Lanka. Inglis himself said he would "bat wherever they ask me to if it gets me a game."

Was Inglis actually picked for the Tests?

Yes — at least at squad level. The 16-man Australia Test squad published with the cricket.com.au report names Josh Inglis alongside Pat Cummins (captain), Steve Smith, Labuschagne, Connolly and others for the three-Test series: Durban (9–13 October), Gqeberha (18–22 October) and Cape Town (27–31 October). What remained undecided at the time of the report was the final XI and whether Inglis would bat in the top order. Chief selector George Bailey also floated Connolly as a Test first-drop option "whether that's now, or into the future", according to SEN.

Why Indian fans are watching

Indian interest likely has two drivers. First, Australia A was simultaneously playing four-day matches in Puducherry against India A, and McDonald noted players like Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney could be flown to South Africa from that squad if needed — a direct India connection. Second, Indian fans follow Australia's wicketkeeper-batter debate closely, since Inglis is often benchmarked against keepers in world cricket. As always with trends data, the 500% spike confirms search curiosity only — it does not by itself confirm any selection outcome.