NEW DELHI: After a standout home debut in Perth against India, Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Philippe faces the likelihood of being sidelined with the return of regular keeper Alex Carey. However, Philippe remains ready to step in whenever the opportunity arises.

With Josh Inglis and Carey both unavailable for the series opener, Philippe seized his chance behind the stumps. He took two sharp catches and contributed a crucial 37 off 29 balls in a 55-run partnership with captain Mitchell Marsh, helping Australia secure a seven-wicket victory.

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"If the opportunity is to come for me, it's in the middle order (for Australia)," the 28-year-old told cricket.com.au ahead of Thursday’s second ODI.

"I certainly pride myself on being adaptable."

Philippe’s appearance in Perth marked his first international match on home soil, after years of playing most of his 15 previous games in COVID-19 bubbles abroad.

Selectors are likely to monitor Philippe as a potential middle-order wicketkeeper-batter, given Australia’s top-order stability with Marsh and Travis Head.

With Inglis recovering from a calf strain and Carey poised to return, Philippe remains realistic yet optimistic.

"'Kez' (Carey) and 'Ingo' (Inglis) are exceptional players. It was just really special to get that opportunity the other night and with the gloves," he said.

"There's a lot of familiar faces in that team and 'Bison' (Marsh) as skipper, that made me feel pretty relaxed and backed in. I'm sitting in the wings and ready to go," Philippe added.

It was also Philippe’s first match as Australia’s wicketkeeper and his first time batting at No. 4, different from his usual top-order role in domestic cricket.

"All my opportunities in domestic cricket are generally at the top, and I'm quite happy to bat there as well," he said.

"The dream is to keep playing for Australia and I want to be in this team, so wherever the opportunity comes, I think my game is well enough equipped now to perform."

(With PTI Inputs)