For every cricketer who represents their country at the international level, becoming a world champion is the ultimate dream. These cricketers strive to earn a spot in their national squads, especially for prestigious tournaments like the World Cup, and deliver match-winning performances on the grand stage.
However, not all great cricketers can lay claim to the title of World Cup winner in their careers. Some of the finest batsmen and top-notch bowlers have missed out on the opportunity to become world champions. Conversely, there exists a select group of players in the history of cricket who managed to secure an ICC trophy even before making their debuts in that particular format.
Joining this exclusive club of cricketers is wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis. Just last week, Inglis became a part of the Australian squad as a backup wicket-keeping option for the ICC World Test Championship final in 2023. Although he didn’t make it to the playing XI against India in the final, his presence on the sidelines was significant.
Inglis’s journey is truly unique. Despite not yet playing a single Test match, he already holds the honor of winning the ICC World Test Championship. The Australian selectors recognized his talent and potential, considering him a valuable asset to the team in their pursuit of glory.
In the final showdown against India, Inglis found himself warming the benches as Alex Carey, the first-choice wicketkeeper, was fit and available for selection. While his role during the match was limited to a spectator, his involvement in the squad signifies the faith placed in him by the Australian cricket fraternity.
As Josh Inglis continues his journey in the cricketing world, he will be eager to make his mark in the Test arena and contribute to his team’s success. His experience of being part of a victorious ICC campaign before even making his Test debut is a testament to his potential and the exciting prospects that lie ahead.
For cricketers like Inglis, the dream of becoming a world champion remains within reach. It serves as a constant motivation to excel, represent their nation with pride, and leave an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape.
Piyush Chawla, James Tredwell, Sunil Valson, and Lawrence Rowe are among the other players who clinched an ICC championship in a specific format despite not participating in any matches of that format.
