Josh Inglis' never-before-seen act stuns cricket world as Australia cruises to victory over Scotland
Inglis blasted the fastest century by an Australian in T20 internationals.
Australian wicketkeeper Josh Inglis has blasted the fastest century by an Aussie in a T20 international in a demolition job of Scotland. The 29-year-old reached triple figures in just 43 balls as Australia cruised to a 70-run victory over Scotland in Edinburgh on Friday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Inglis smashed the previous national record in men's T20Is, surpassing the record jointly held by himself, Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Finch of 47 balls. While his Aussie teammates struggled at times to get the timing of the two-paced surface down, Inglis had no such problems, whacking seven fours and seven sixes to lay the foundation for Australia's 4-196 score in the Scottish capital.
Inglis was born in Leeds, England, and seemed at home in the foggy and damp conditions. From the outset, the 29-year-old seemed to be playing a different game than the other batters, hitting Scotland's bowling attack all around the ground.
The wicketkeeper-batsman brought up his record-breaking century by hoisting Brad Currie for successive sixes to reach his second ODI century. Speaking after his incredible knock, Inglis said he was glad he could help Australia clinch the series and was proud to claim a piece of Australian history.
“To hold that record is really nice,” Inglis said. “There was a bit happening early on; we lost a couple of early wickets (so) we spoke about building a partnership. Once the new ball wore down, it got easier to bat.” And the cricket world couldn't believe just how easy the Aussie wicketkeeper made it look as many called for him to get the nod in all three forms.
What a knock
— Blanked. (@Sillymidoff3) September 6, 2024
Been saying since 3 years, Inglis is best keeper in Australia. He has to play in all three formats. And he proved today!!!
— The Cricketer (@Himansh77242822) September 6, 2024
should be australia’s keeper in all forms
— ben (@magic_simmonss) September 6, 2024
Josh Inglis, what a century 💯 .. His 2nd after that wonderful century against India after 19 Nov
Dropped for Matthew Wade in T20 WC 👀#SCOvAUS pic.twitter.com/Xvgg0JKA4u— UndergraD🤳 (@ugcric) September 6, 2024
HUNDRED BY JOSH INGLIS...!!! 🤯
- A century in just 43 balls by Inglis with 7 fours and 7 sixes. The superstar of Australian batting unit. pic.twitter.com/37ZAy4Aoks— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 6, 2024
Australia cruise to victory over Scotland to clinch series
In response, the hosts never looked like coming close to the 197-run target, all out for 126 in 16.4 overs courtesy of a career-best bowling performance from all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. The West Australian claimed 4-23 from 3.4 overs, his maiden four-wicket haul at international level.
Six Australian bowlers took at least one wicket as the Scots subsided to 126 all out despite a blistering start when George Munsey struck 17 off Xavier Bartlett's first over.
But the hopes of an unlikely victory were short-lived. Aaron Hardie - in for Riley Meredith - had opener Michael Jones out for one, when Inglis took a diving catch running towards midwicket. Bartlett then put one on the toe of Munsey in the first ball of the third over, with the opener popping up a catch to Mitch Marsh.
And when Brandon McMullen was dismissed from a fine running catch by Tim David, off Sean Abbott, for 59 off 42 balls, Scotland's chance of victory was all but over as the Scots languished at 5-106. From there wickets fell at regular intervals as they were all-out for 126.
Speaking about the win in the Scottish capital, Australian captain Marsh said the tour provided a great opportunity for some of the younger Aussies to show what they can do on the international stage. "A really good game of cricket – the way Inglis and Green got us out of trouble was excellent. Josh was just unbelievable in another all-round performance from us," Marsh said.
RELATED:
Fraser-McGurk in brutal scenes as Head helps claim cricket record
Steve Smith responds after growing calls for Test experiment to end
Shane Warne call ignored as Cricket Australia makes huge announcement
"We have a young group of guys getting opportunities with flexibility in the tour. There might be a couple of changes tomorrow, will have to ask the coach. We have a chance to win 3-0 and tomorrow is another opportunity." The final match of the three-match series is in Edinburgh on Saturday.
Fastest century for an Australian in men's T20Is
43 balls – Josh Inglis vs SCO, 2024
47 balls – Aaron Finch vs ENG, 2013
47 balls – Josh Inglis vs IND, 2023
47 balls – Glenn Maxwell vs IND, 2023
49 balls – Glenn Maxwell vs SL, 2016
with AAP