The India vs Australia ODI series is set to begin on October 19, but before a single ball is bowled, Australia has already been hit by a series of setbacks. Several key players, including all-rounder Cameron Green, have been ruled out or are set to miss matches due to injuries and personal reasons.
The worst part of a player’s career is dealing with injuries, something no athlete ever wants, yet cannot avoid. Unfortunately for Australia, multiple stars are unavailable at the start of this important series.
Cameron Green: Side Soreness Ends His India Tour
Cameron Green has been ruled out of the India series due to low-grade side soreness suffered during training this week. As a precautionary measure, he has been withdrawn from the squad.
Green had only recently returned to competitive bowling after undergoing back surgery last year. He missed the T20I tour of New Zealand to play in the opening Sheffield Shield match for Western Australia against New South Wales in Perth last week.
He was due to bowl eight overs in that match but managed only four, taking one wicket. Cricket Australia’s medical staff did not allow him to bowl on consecutive days, as Western Australia’s short first innings didn’t provide enough recovery time between spells.
The 26-year-old was unlikely to bowl in the first two ODIs against India but was gradually increasing his bowling workload with plans to feature more in the upcoming Shield matches starting October 28. He was also set to miss the third ODI and the following T20I series to focus on red-ball preparation ahead of the Ashes.
Green was officially ruled out on Friday, with Marnus Labuschagne called in as his replacement. Labuschagne will join the Australian squad in Perth after completing his Sheffield Shield match in Adelaide on Saturday night.
Pat Cummins: Skipper Sidelined
Australia’s World Cup-winning captain, Pat Cummins, will not take part in the entire ODI series against India. Cummins, who recently led Australia to major success in international cricket, has been rested as a precaution to manage his workload ahead of the busy Test season.
His absence will be felt not only as a leader but also as one of Australia’s key bowlers. Under his captaincy, the team has done very well in white-ball cricket, but without him, Australia’s balance and experience take a hit.
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Josh Inglis: Calf Strain Concern
Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis will miss at least the first two ODIs as he continues to recover from a calf strain. Inglis has been a steady performer for Australia in limited-overs cricket. He adds quick runs in the middle order and is sharp behind the stumps. His absence will be noticed, especially in close games.
Adam Zampa: Family Comes First
Star leg-spinner Adam Zampa will not feature in the first ODI in Perth. The experienced spinner has decided to stay home in northern New South Wales with his pregnant wife.
Zampa has been a key part of Australia’s bowling attack in recent years, especially in limited-overs cricket. His absence for the opening game will be a big miss, but the team and fans have shown full support for his personal decision.
Alex Carey: Focusing on Red-Ball Cricket
Alex Carey, a regular in Australia’s ODI setup, will also miss the first match in Perth. The wicketkeeper-batter has chosen to play the Sheffield Shield game between South Australia and Queensland in Adelaide to prepare for the upcoming Ashes.
Carey’s call shows how players often have to balance between formats. Even though he won’t play the first ODI, his return later in the series will add strength to the batting lineup.
What It Means for Australia
With Cameron Green, Pat Cummins, and Josh Inglis out injured, and Adam Zampa and Alex Carey missing the first ODI, Australia’s squad will be tested early in the series.
This gives younger players a big chance to prove themselves. But without some of their main stars, Australia will have to work harder to match India’s form and depth. The team hopes these absences are only temporary and that all senior players return fit before the next phase of the season.
Written By:- Manjunath S