Josh Inglis Poised for No.4 Role in West Indies Test as Adam Voges Backs WA Duo Amid Australia's Batting Reshuffle

With Australia’s top order undergoing a major reshuffle ahead of the first Test against West Indies in Barbados, Josh Inglis is being strongly considered for the No.4 spot following the omission of Marnus Labuschagne and injury to Steven Smith. Though the batting order has yet to be confirmed, national selectors are leaning toward the least disruptive option for when Smith returns—leaving Cameron Green at No.3 and slotting Inglis into the vacant No.4 role. Inglis’ WA coach Adam Voges has endorsed the move, praising his technical quality and mental resilience despite limited experience in the top four at first-class level. Inglis, who averages over 50 at No.6 with four centuries, has rarely batted higher but made a strong case with a debut Test hundred at No.5 in Sri Lanka. Voges believes the challenge will suit Inglis, especially without wicketkeeping duties. Meanwhile, Green—who struggled with the bat in the WTC final—will continue at No.3, a position where he lacks experience but offers long-term potential, according to Voges. Green remains unavailable to bowl due to his ongoing recovery from back surgery and is unlikely to resume bowling until the domestic season. As a result, Beau Webster retains his spot as the designated allrounder for the Caribbean leg, offering both medium pace and part-time offspin, although his impact with the ball has so far been modest. With Smith expected to return for the second Test, these three Tests will serve as crucial auditions for players like Inglis, Konstas, and Webster as Australia experiments with its structure ahead of a critical Ashes summer.

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