Josh Inglis celebrates his century after 43 balls against Scotland.© AFP
Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis broke records when he hit a swashbuckling 103 off just 49 balls against Scotland in the second T20I of the series. Coming in to bat at No. 3, Inglis sent the ball all over the place at the Grange Cricket Club in Edinburgh to score his second T20I ton. However, he achieved two other special feats on reaching his hundred. Firstly, he broke his own record and secondly, he became the first Australian wicketkeeper-batter to do so.
Inglis reached his hundred against Scotland in just 43 balls, making it the fastest century ever by an Australian in T20I cricket. Remarkably, Inglis' first century – against India in November 2023 – was the previous joint-fastest century by an Australian in T20Is. The previous best of a hundred in 47 balls was held by Inglis, Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Finch.
Inglis had more to add to the record books, however. The 29-year-old hit the first-ever T20I hundred by a designated Australian wicketkeeper-batter. It is important to note that Inglis was not the designated wicketkeeper-batter when he hit his maiden hundred against India, as Matthew Wade was the Australian wicketkeeper in that match.
Preparing for the English series
Australia's three T20I matches in Scotland will serve as preparation for the upcoming series against England, against whom they will play three T20Is and five ODIs, starting on September 11.
Scotland, who almost qualified for the 2024 T20 World Cup Super 8 stage ahead of Australia and England, have been unable to give Australia any challenge at home in this series.
After chasing a target of 155 in under 10 overs in the first T20I, Australia sailed to a 70-run victory in the second. Despite no significant contribution from another batter, Inglis' whirlwind knock alone was enough to guide Australia to a commanding total of 196.
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