Australia have made a late change to their squad for the upcoming ODI series against India, with Marnus Labuschagne drafted in to replace Cameron Green, who has been sidelined due to side soreness.
Cricket Australia confirmed that Green’s injury was “low grade” but said the decision to rest him was precautionary, keeping in mind his importance to Australia’s Ashes campaign later this year.
Precaution Over Pressure
Green, who only recently resumed bowling after back surgery last year, felt discomfort following Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield match last week — his first with ball in hand since the operation. He bowled a short spell and picked up a wicket, but medical staff have opted for a brief recovery window rather than risk aggravation.
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.
The 26-year-old will miss all three ODIs against India — on October 19, 23 and 25 — but is expected to be fit for Western Australia’s next Shield fixture starting October 28.
Labuschagne Back In Form And Back In Blue And Gold
For Labuschagne, this recall caps a run of impressive form for Queensland, where he has struck two centuries in the domestic one-day competition. The top-order batter had been left out of the original squad after a lean run in the home ODIs against South Africa in August, where he scored just one run in each outing.
His return adds experience and stability to a youthful Australian line-up travelling to India for the three-match series.
Selection Shuffle Continues
Labuschagne’s inclusion is Australia’s third enforced change ahead of the series opener.
• Josh Philippe was earlier called up to replace Josh Inglis, who remains out with a calf strain.
• Matthew Kuhnemann stepped in for Adam Zampa, unavailable for the first ODI due to family commitments.
Selectors confirmed that Zampa, Inglis and Alex Carey will rejoin the squad from the second ODI onwards.
Australia’s updated ODI squad: For 1st ODI: 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. From 2nd ODI onwards: Adam Zampa, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis.
