Josh Inglis believes Australia’s dramatic one-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the third ODI will provide valuable experience ahead of next year’s World Cup, despite admitting he found the closing stages of the chase difficult to watch.
Inglis played a crucial role in Australia’s chase, scoring a well-constructed 103 from 102 balls for his second ODI century. However, his dismissal left Australia in serious trouble as they still needed 45 runs with only two wickets remaining.
Adam Zampa was dismissed soon afterwards, leaving Australia’s final pair needing 27 runs for victory. Nathan Ellis then produced a superb display under pressure, with support from Spencer Johnson, who contributed seven from 13 balls.
Australia eventually reached their target with one wicket remaining, securing a thrilling victory and completing a series sweep. It was also their second one-wicket win in their last four ODIs, following a similar finish against Bangladesh in Mirpur earlier this year.
Inglis said experiencing such pressure situations could prove valuable with the next World Cup approaching.
“I think it’s really important. I think we’re going to get in those situations again, and for those guys to have done that today with a World Cup 12 months away, it will leave a good feeling with them, and they’ll have a better idea of how to go about that situation again next time it arises,” Inglis said.
Nathan Ellis was the key figure in the final stages of the chase. With Australia requiring nine runs from the final over, Ellis launched the first delivery from Wessly Madhevere over long-on for six.
The shot came shortly after Madhevere had dropped Ellis in the deep, making the moment even more significant. Ellis remained unbeaten on 36, his highest score in List A cricket.
Inglis praised Ellis for his ability to produce the decisive shot under pressure.
“I know it [his batting] is something he works on a lot. He obviously plays a lot of T20 cricket, and when he comes into bat, he has got the ability to hit a long ball. It was a great shot and got us on the front foot in that last over,” Inglis said.
For Inglis, the century was an important response after he had struggled in the opening two matches of the series. He was pleased with the tempo of his innings and the way he adapted to his role at No. 4.
“We just play a lot of T20 cricket now, and it’s just me finding the right tempo for one day cricket, and I think I sort of found that today,” he said.
Inglis added that batting at No. 4 for a relatively young Australian side meant taking greater responsibility in the middle overs.
“The way I wanted to play was to sort of own those middle overs, just keep the scoreboard ticking over and be there towards the end. I wasn’t there right at the end, but to get there until the 40th over and get a hundred, I’m happy with it.”
Australia will now travel to South Africa for another three-match ODI series before turning their attention to the much-anticipated Test matches next month.
Regular ODI captain Pat Cummins and fast bowler Mitchell Starc are expected to join the squad, with the limited-overs matches also providing an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming Test assignments.
Meanwhile, Billy Stanlake’s tour is likely to be over after he suffered a side strain during the second ODI in Harare.
