Perth – Australia has received a major setback ahead of the three-match One Day International (ODI) series against India in Perth, as all-rounder Cameron Green has been ruled out due to a muscle injury sustained during practice this week.
Green’s absence has prompted Australia to recall top-order batsman Marnus Labuschagne, who was initially left out of the ODI squad. Labuschagne earned his place back after scoring a fourth century in five domestic matches for Queensland, signaling his return to form.
Green, who had only recently resumed bowling after a prolonged back injury, had made an impressive comeback in Australia’s last ODI against South Africa, scoring an unbeaten 118 runs. Cricket Australia confirmed that Green is expected to return to domestic cricket in the third round of the Sheffield Shield ahead of the Ashes Test series against England next month. A Cricket Australia spokesperson said, “Green will take a little more time to regain full fitness before resuming competitive cricket.”
Australia’s ODI squad for the series against India now includes Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Owen, Josh Phillips, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, and Mitchell Starc. For the second and third ODIs, Adam Zampa, Alex Carey, and Josh Inglis will join the squad.
The team faces further injury concerns: Test all-rounder Beau Webster is sidelined with an ankle injury, while pace spearhead Pat Cummins, who led Australia to the ICC ODI World Cup victory, is unavailable for the entire series. Josh Inglis will miss the opening ODI due to a thigh muscle strain, while leg-spinner Adam Zampa will remain in New South Wales for the first match due to his wife’s pregnancy. Alex Carey, traditionally Australia’s first-choice wicketkeeper, will act as backup in Inglis’s absence, who is focusing on Sheffield Shield preparations ahead of the Ashes.
Cameron Green’s absence is a significant blow to Australia’s balance, particularly in all-round options, placing added responsibility on the recalled Labuschagne and other senior players to lead the team against India in Perth.
The opening ODI is scheduled to start at 9:00 AM IST at Optus Stadium, Perth, and cricket fans will keenly watch how Australia copes without one of their key all-rounders.
