Labuschagne Steps Up for India ODIs as Green Rested for Recovery

Australia’s all-rounder Cameron Green has been sidelined from the India ODI series due to side soreness. Marnus Labuschagne has been selected as his replacement. Although the injury is considered ‘low grade’, Cricket Australia is taking a cautious approach due to Green’s significance in their Ashes plans.

Green will not participate in the ODIs scheduled for October 19, 23, and 25, but is anticipated to be part of Western Australia’s subsequent Sheffield Shield match starting on October 28. He marked his return to competitive bowling in last week’s Shield match, taking a wicket in a four-over spell, following his back surgery from last year. Cricket Australia confirmed that his latest setback is unrelated to his previous operation.

According to CA, “Green will undergo a brief rehabilitation period and is on track to return for round three of the Sheffield Shield in preparation for the Ashes.”

Returning to the ODI squad, Labuschagne is in outstanding form, with two of his recent four centuries in domestic cricket coming in the 50-over format. Initially, he was left out of the selection after scoring 1 and 1 in home ODIs against South Africa in August.

With recent adjustments, Australia has made three changes for the series opener against India. Josh Phillippe comes in for Josh Inglis, who is still recovering from a calf strain, and Adam Zampa will be absent from the first match in Perth due to family matters. From the second match onwards, Zampa, Carey, and Inglis will be available for selection.

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.

Inclusions from second ODI onwards: Adam Zampa, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis