Centurіon Inglіs serves notісe to Aussіe seleсtors аs Konstаs sһows рluсk аgаіnst odds — Sһіeld Wrар

As Australia worked on a method to squeeze Cameron Green back into the Test team earlier this year, selectors seized on the mantra of playing the six best batsmen in the country, which resulted in the reshuffle that saw Steve Smith promoted to opener.

With selectors facing another conundrum leading into the Test series against India, and Smith returning to No. 4 to replace Green, Western Australian wicketkeeper Josh Inglis has served another reminder of his superb batting talents with a century in Perth.

Inglis, who scored Australia’s quickest ever T20 century against Scotland in September when playing as a specialist batsman, scored 101 against Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield on Tuesday.

This follows a first-innings century and Man of the Match honours against Queensland earlier in October.

Incumbent Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who was replaced by Inglis in the 50-over World Cup a year ago, batted strongly at the tail-end of last summer in Test cricket and is in superb touch in the Sheffield Shield to start this season.

After scoring 90 and 111 against New South Wales in the opening match of the domestic season, Carey has made 42 and another century in his two innings against Queensland and is certain to retain his place as the preferred wicketkeeper for his country.

But as Australia’s leading contenders to fill the vacant opening position alongside Usman Khawaja failed to fire in this round of matches, fast bowling great Brett Lee told Fox Cricket’s podcast The Follow On selectors should consider promoting Mitch Marsh to open.

This would free up a position in the middle-order and few batsmen are in better form in domestic cricket to start the season than Inglis.

Former Australian spinner Bryce McGain, while commentating on the Victoria V NSW match for Fox Cricket, said he believed there was a scenario where both Carey and Inglis could play Test cricket for their nation in the same side.

“Is there a way they can both play? There probably is,” McGain said.

Australian selectors have much to think about and Smith, who declared on Monday night the decision to return to No. 4 was a consultative process, will be among those being discussed.

After falling for three on Monday, Smith was dismissed LBW for a fourth-ball duck on Tuesday when shouldering arms to Scott Boland.

The 34-year-old was clearly frustrated by the dismissal, though the delivery appeared to be darting back into off-stump, in what shapes as his last red ball match before the India series beginning in Perth in a month’s time.

He said on Sunday night the initial plan was to feature in white ball matches against Pakistan next month before readying himself for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a series of nets in Perth prior to the opening Test beginning on October 22.

“I’ve played a lot of cricket now and feel good. I will see how the second innings go and talk to the powers that be, I suppose, and see what they think is best,” he said.

“But I think I trust my preparation also. I have played for a long time and know what I need now. There are obviously going to be some good centre wickets with our bowlers bowling in Perth in similar conditions to what you are going to get at Optus Stadium.”

Sam Konstas, meanwhile, showed admirable fight for New South Wales while senior teammates including Smith fell swiftly as Victoria garnered a stranglehold on the Sheffield Shield clash at the MCG. Well, at least until he was dismissed by Todd Murphy.

After falling early to Boland in the opening innings, the 19-year-old ensured he will remain part of the conversation for the Australian team with 43 from 97 balls, though he did receive a life on 23 when Peter Handscomb dropped a touch chance off the Victorian quick.

The teenager’s luck ran out when he charged former Murphy, only to gain a top edge, after fighting through a testing period.

NSW trail by 197 runs leading into the final day with only four wickets in hand. Josh Philippe is unbeaten on 70 after making 45 not out in the first innings for his state, with Mitchell Starc on four.

Speaking of impressive youngsters, Queenslander Tom Whitney has identified himself as a fast bowler to watch in the match against South Australia.

While Carey has batted with distinction, the former Australian Under 19 representative followed a five-wicket haul in his first innings on debut for his state with another three scalps in the second innings.