Australia face shake-up as Cameron Green sidelined for India ODIs
The Australian cricket setup has been hit by an injury setback ahead of the three-match ODI series against India, with all-rounder Cameron Green ruled out of the forthcoming fixtures. Green, who has battled back issues in the past, reported low-grade soreness at training this week and will miss the series that starts in Perth on Sunday. In a timely call-up, middle-order bat Marnus Labuschagne has been recalled to the squad after initially being left out, signaling Australia’s intent to balance youth and experience as they prepare for a challenging India tour.
Reason for the change and what it means
Green’s injury comes as a disappointing but not crippling blow for Australia. The 24-year-old all-rounder had only just returned to bowling duties following a lengthy back problem and had impressed with an important 118* in his most recent ODI appearance. The injury is described as minor by a Cricket Australia spokesperson, who indicated Green will undergo a short rehabilitation period before resuming competitive cricket at domestic level.
Cricket Australia’s plan is for Green to return in round three of the Sheffield Shield later this month, as he ramps up his workload ahead of the Ashes series against England. That preparation remains crucial for Australia, given the need to balance White-Ball form with the longer-format grind that Ashes selection often rewards.
Labuschagne’s recall and the squad adjustment
Laboratory of form, or more precisely the Sheffield Shield scoreboard, has been kind to Marnus Labuschagne in recent weeks. After being initially omitted from the ODI squad, Labuschagne has earned a reprieve on the back of solid domestic performances and his steady top-order presence. His recall provides Australia with a seasoned partner at the top or middle order, depending on the XI Australia choose to field for each game.
The revised Australia squad for the first ODI in Perth features:
- Mitchell Marsh (captain)
- 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
For the second and third ODIs, Australia has kept a wider pool, with options such as Adam Zampa, Alex Carey, and Josh Inglis named to be included if needed. This approach provides flexibility for matches that may hinge on spin, pace, or late-order hitting as the series unfolds in a tightly contested three-match sequence.
Strategic implications for Australia
Missing Green removes a crucial component of Australia’s balance—an attacking power-hitter who can also provide overs with the ball. The inclusion of Labuschagne strengthens the batting line-up at the top and offers a stabilizing presence in the middle order, particularly in Perth where conditions can assist swing and seam movement. Australia will be keen to set the tone early in the series, leveraging Labuschagne’s known ability to anchor innings and accumulate runs in demanding chase scenarios.
Head coach and selectors will also be assessing how to utilize Labuschagne alongside Steve Smith or Travis Head, while also weighing the bowling options in Green’s absence. With Starc and Hazlewood offering pace, and Kuhnemann providing spin, Australia has a balanced squad that can adapt to the Indian batting lineup across three venues.
Outlook for the rest of the series and the Ashes preparation
The India tour presents a stern test for Australia, who will be looking to build confidence ahead of the huge Ashes clash next month. Green’s anticipated return to the field later in the season ensures Australia will not be without him for long, but his absence in the ODIs will force the team to lean on Labuschagne’s leadership and the lower-middle order’s ability to support the power hitters.
As Australia navigates this setback, the focus will be on adaptation and consistency. If Labuschagne can dovetail with Labuschagne’s own form along with continued strong performances from the pace unit and spin department, Australia can still lay a solid platform to build momentum into the longer format of the game and the white-ball battles ahead
