Australia Faces Major Setbacks Ahead of ODI Series vs India with Key Players Missing

Australia is heading into the upcoming ODI series against India with some tough challenges. Several important players won’t be available for the first few games. Pat Cummins won’t be playing in the white-ball matches because of a lower back problem.

Cameron Green Ruled Out of India ODIs; Marnus Labuschagne Called Up

Also, all-rounder Cameron Green will miss the three ODIs on October 19, 23, and 25 due to soreness on his side. Although his injury isn’t serious, Cricket Australia is being careful since Green is an important player for the upcoming Ashes series. Marnus Labuschagne has been called in as Green's replacement.

“Cameron Green has been ruled out of the (India) series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week,” Cricket Australia said.

“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,” he added.

The batter returns to the ODI setup in excellent form, having scored four centuries for his domestic side this season, including two in the 50-over format. Labuschagne had initially been overlooked after disappointing scores of 1 and 1 in the home ODIs against South Africa in August.

Australia’s Lineup Changes Ahead of First ODI Against India

Australia has made a couple of changes for the first game of the series. Josh Philippe will play instead of Josh Inglis, who is still out with a calf injury. Matthew Kuhnemann will take the spot of Adam Zampa, who can’t play the first ODI because of family reasons. Alex Carey will also miss the first match for family reasons. Zampa, Inglis, and Carey are expected to be back from the second game onward.

Even though some players are missing, Australia’s team for the first game includes captain Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Mitchell Owen, and Josh Philippe. Starting from the second game, Adam Zampa, Alex Carey, and Josh Inglis will join the team again.

Australia needs to quickly find their best form because they are playing against a strong Indian team. Missing some important players and leaders will make it harder for Australia to start the series well.

Australia vs India ODIs 2025

Australia squad: 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.

After First Game: Adam Zampa, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis

India squad: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal

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