Australia suffered a major blow just days before the start of the three-match ODI series against India, as all-rounder Cameron Green was ruled out due to a side strain. Cricket Australia confirmed that the team has called up Marnus Labuschagne as his replacement for the series, which begins on October 19 in Perth.
Cameron Green sidelined with minor injury
According to Cricket Australia, Green suffered a minor muscle strain and will undergo a short rehabilitation period before returning to domestic cricket. The selectors made it clear that the decision was precautionary, with the upcoming Ashes series in mind.
A CA statement said, “Cameron Green will complete a brief rehabilitation phase and is expected to return for Western Australia in the third round of the Sheffield Shield. His absence from the India ODIs is a precautionary measure to ensure full recovery ahead of the Ashes.”
Green’s unavailability means he will miss all three ODIs against India — scheduled for October 19 (Perth), October 23 (Adelaide), and October 25 (Sydney).
Also see: Aakash Chopra Predicts India’s Playing XI for 1st ODI vs Australia
Marnus Labuschagne earns recall after strong domestic form
The injury opened the door for Marnus Labuschagne, who has been in excellent touch in domestic cricket. The Queensland batter recently scored 159 runs in a Sheffield Shield match, marking his fourth century of the season.
Labuschagne’s inclusion adds depth and experience to the squad. The 31-year-old has played 66 ODIs, scoring 1,871 runs at an average of 34.64, including four fifties against India. Notably, he played a crucial 58-run knock in the 2023 ODI World Cup final against India.
Other squad updates
Australia’s first ODI lineup has seen multiple changes. Josh Philippe replaces the injured Josh Inglis, while Adam Zampa will miss the first match due to family reasons — with Matthew Kuhnemann expected to fill in. Zampa, Inglis, and Alex Carey will rejoin the squad from the second ODI.
Despite Green’s absence, Australia’s batting looks solid with Labuschagne’s return, while the bowling attack continues to be led by Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
From India’s perspective, the series marks the much-awaited return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are back in action after the Champions Trophy earlier this year. With Shubman Gill leading India, the series promises an exciting start to the new ODI season.
Australia Squad (1st ODI):
Mitchell Marsh (captain), Travis Head, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, Marnus Labuschagne, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Kuhnemann, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Josh Philippe, Mitchell Owen.
To join from 2nd ODI: Adam Zampa, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis.
The first ODI will be played at the Optus Stadium in Perth on October 19, with the toss scheduled for 8:30 AM IST.
