Australia may be forced to call up a reserve batsman ahead of the New Year's Test against India in Sydney after Josh Inglis was ruled out of the series with a minor calf strain. Inglis sustained the injury while playing as a reserve during the ongoing Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

The Perth Scorchers may be without Josh Inglis for the remainder of the Big Bash League after the wicketkeeper sustained a calf injury during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

Inglis is the only wicketkeeper in the team other than Alex Carey and the injury is a major blow to the Australian side, which will be one less goalkeeper in that position ahead of the final Test match of the series in Sydney. Australia have not yet announced a replacement for the player.

Inglis' injury could allow Nathan McSweeney, who was dropped from the squad in favour of Sam Konstas before this Test, to return to the side. McSweeney's versatility to bat in all orders could also give him an outside chance of playing in Sydney if Australia decide to select an extra batsman rather than an all-rounder (Mitchell Marsh). However, that is unlikely due to some fitness issues and the increased workload for Mitchell Starc, who suffered a back problem on day three at the MCG. Australia have Sean Abbott and Jhye Richardson in the squad as replacement fast bowlers.

Inglis, meanwhile, faces a race against time to be selected for Australia's two-Test series in Sri Lanka, where his ability against spin will make him invaluable. Australia will have a training camp in the United Arab Emirates ahead of the first Test in Galle on January 29.