Sheffield Shield: Western Australia batter Josh Inglis scores back-to-back centuries to boost Test hopes

Josh Inglis has pulled Western Australia out of the fire for the second straight Sheffield Shield match, scoring back-to-back centuries that could thrust his name into national team discussions.

The wicket-keeper passed 100 off 138 balls against Tasmania at the WACA Ground on Tuesday morning moments after a 161-run partnership with all-rounder Cooper Connolly.

He fell moments later for 101, dismissed by Tigers all-rounder Beau Webster.

The pair came together with Inglis yet to score on the second afternoon of the rain-interrupted match. That was moments after dramatic scenes where Hilton Cartwright gave up his wicket to leave the ground and be at the birth of his second child and Aaron Hardie was dismissed.

Connolly was dismissed for 55 by Webster, with Inglis on 99. WA are nearing a first-innings lead. They are 5-262 in pursuit of Tasmania’s 277.

It brought Cartwright back to the crease. He continues on 52.

Inglis, who already takes the gloves for Australia in both white-ball formats, could now be considered an outside chance to feature this Test summer if selectors opt to move one of its middle-order batters to open with Usman Khawaja.

He also made 122 off just 117 balls in the first innings of a draw with Queensland earlier this month and was named player of the match.

Chairman of selectors George Bailey has strongly suggested Australia will draft in an opener for the five-Test series against India starting next month, but none of its candidates have set the world alight in the second round of shield matches.

Australia did select both Inglis and Alex Carey in the same team during a rapid-fire white-ball tour of the United Kingdom last month.

The stocky batter was dominant behind square during a short-ball barrage on Monday afternoon and plastered Tigers spinner Matt Kuhnemann.