Josh Inglis’ never-before-seen act stuns cricket world as Australia sink Scotland

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.

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.

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“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