SA vs AUS: Josh Inglis becomes first Australian cricketer to achieve rare feat in all three formats

Josh Inglis etched his name into Australian cricket history with a second Test century before Australia scored 429 on Day 3 of the decisive third Test against South Africa at Newlands on Thursday. The visitors secured a decisive 100-run lead in the first innings after dismissing the home team for 329.Inglis scored 102 off 135 balls, including 11 fours and two sixes, to become the first Australian batsman to register at least two centuries in each of the three international formats. His landmark came on his return to the Test side after almost a year away from the format and helped Australia build a sizeable lead in the series decider.The wicketkeeper-batsman reached his century with a reverse delivery against off-spinner Simon Harmer before eventually falling to the same bowler. His innings, combined with Alex Carey’s 80, proved instrumental in surpassing South Africa’s first innings total.

Inglis becomes first Australian with multiple centuries in all three formats

Inglis’ success puts him in a unique category in Australian cricket. He now has two centuries each in Tests, ODIs and T20Is, becoming the first Australian batsman to reach the milestone in all three formats.His maiden Test century came against Sri Lanka in 2025. He has also registered two ODI hundreds and two T20I centuries, underscoring his ability to impress across formats.The numbers highlight the significance of his success:

• Tests: 286 runs in six matches, with a highest score of 102, an average of 35.75 and two centuries.
• ODIs: 1,100 runs in 43 matches, with a highest score of 120 not out, an average of 30.55 and two centuries.
• T20Is: 1,033 runs in 49 matches, with a highest score of 110, an average of 26.48 and two centuries.

Only three Australian batsmen have scored multiple T20I centuries: Inglis, Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Finch. However, neither Maxwell nor Finch managed at least two hundreds in all three formats.Maxwell has five T20I hundreds and four ODI hundreds but only one Test ton, scored against India in 2017. Finch, meanwhile, finished his international career with 17 ODI centuries and two T20I hundreds, but never scored a Test century.Inglis is now the only Australian batter to have multiple centuries in every format.

Inglis makes Test comeback important

Inglis returned to Australia’s playing XI for the series decider after recovering from a broken finger suffered during the previous ODI series against South Africa. He last played a Test during the 2025 Ashes at home.Australia have made four changes to their side for the Test at Newlands, bringing Inglis back alongside Cameron Green, Nathan Lyon and Cooper Connolly.South Africa had earlier posted 329 in their first innings, putting the onus on the Australian batting to mount a substantial response. The visitors crossed that mark through contributions from across the batting order, with Inglis’ century and Carey’s 80 proving particularly valuable.Australia’s innings ended on 429 in 125.1 overs, giving them a 100-run first innings lead heading into South Africa’s second innings.