Perth Scorchers opener Josh Inglis isn't daring to dream of a World Cup call-up just yet, but his partner in crime reckons it's only a matter of time before Australia's selectors come knocking.
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Inglis continued his breakout BBL season on Monday night when he cracked 58 off 41 balls in his side's eight-wicket demolition of the Sydney Thunder.
It was his fourth half-century of the season, taking his tally to 382 runs at an average of 31.8 and a strike rate of 155.
His opening partnership with Englishman Liam Livingstone has been a powerful weapon for the Scorchers this season, with the pair combining for a devastating 136-run stand against the Thunder.
Inglis has already been likened to New Zealand great Brendon McCullum, and he looms as a smoky selection for the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year.
But the 24-year-old, who was born in England before moving to Perth as a 14-year-old, is doing his best to play down the hype.
"It would be unbelievable to get called up to that sort of thing, but I haven't thought about it," Inglis said.
"If it happens, it happens. I'm just enjoying playing for the Scorchers and hopefully taking us deep into the finals."
Livingstone was more forthcoming when talking up Inglis.
"He's as good as I've seen. Being able to hit gaps in the power play is a very good skill," Livingstone said.
"For a young kid, he's very talented and I don't see why he won't be playing for Australia, whether it be six months or the next two or three years.
"Whenever it is, I'm sure he will play for Australia."
A growing 'bromance' seems to have flourished between Inglis and Livingstone, with the pair not afraid to have a laugh at each other's expense.
When asked what batsmen Inglis reminds him of, Livingstone quipped: "Don't know, he's just a short, fat opening batter, isn't he?"
"I know a lot of people have said he's a little bit like McCullum, but I think he's got a bit more touch about him.
"He's an unbelievable player to open the batting with. He hits it in areas I don't."
The Scorchers will jump into third spot on the table if they can beat the Adelaide Strikers at Optus Stadium on Friday night.
They finish the regular season against the Thunder in Sydney on Sunday.
Australian Associated Press
