Australia have suffered an early blow ahead of their much-awaited three-match ODI series against India, starting October 19. The Aussies, who are currently focusing on building momentum ahead of the Ashes 2025-26, will be without their key all-rounder Cameron Green due to injury. The series, set to be played on October 19, 23, and 25, is expected to serve as a vital preparation ground for both teams ahead of a packed international calendar.
Green’s absence comes as a setback for the visitors, given his growing reputation as a dependable middle-order batter and a handy seam option. His ability to balance the side with both bat and ball has made him one of Australia’s most valuable assets in white-ball cricket.
Cameron Green ruled out due to side soreness
Green has been ruled out of the ODI series after experiencing side soreness during training. Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed that the injury, though diagnosed as “low grade,” prompted the selectors and medical staff to take a precautionary approach, especially considering his crucial role in Australia’s long-term Test plans.
The 25-year-old is now set to miss the ODIs against India but is expected to return in time for Western Australia’s next Sheffield Shield fixture beginning October 28. CA has clarified that the current issue is unrelated to the back surgery Green underwent in October last year.
“Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes,” Cricket Australia said in a statement on Friday.
Green made his competitive bowling comeback last week in the Shield competition, delivering a four-over spell and claiming a wicket. The team management, however, has decided not to risk him in the upcoming ODI series to ensure full recovery before the summer’s red-ball assignments.
Replacement announced for Green
In response to Green’s unavailability, Australia have named Marnus Labuschagne as his replacement for the ODI series. Labuschagne’s return comes on the back of impressive domestic form, with two of his four recent centuries for Queensland coming in the 50-over format.
The right-hander was initially left out of the squad after a poor run in the home ODIs against South Africa earlier this year, where he managed just two single-digit scores. However, his domestic performances have once again forced the selectors’ hands, earning him another opportunity to make a mark in limited-overs cricket.
Multiple changes for the opening game
Green’s withdrawal is not the only adjustment for Australia ahead of the first ODI in Perth. Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Philippe has been drafted in to replace Josh Inglis, who continues to recover from a calf strain. Additionally, leg-spinner Adam Zampa will miss the opening game due to family reasons but is expected to return from the second match onwards. The visitors will also have Alex Carey and Josh Inglis available from the second ODI, bolstering their options behind the stumps.
Australia squad (updated): Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa (From 2nd ODI), Alex Carey (From 2nd ODI), Josh Inglis (From 2nd ODI)
