Australian all-rounder Cameron Green has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against India due to a minor side soreness, with Marnus Labuschagne being called up as his replacement. The injury, diagnosed as “low grade,” has prompted Cricket Australia to take a precautionary approach, especially considering the upcoming Ashes series.Green experienced discomfort during training this week before the first ODI against India scheduled for Sunday. The 26-year-old is expected to return to cricket in Western Australia’s next Sheffield Shield match on October 28.
Cricket Australia provided an official statement on the situation: “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 timing of Green’s setback raises concerns with the Ashes series opener against England approaching in five weeks. This comes as Australia already face uncertainty regarding captain Pat Cummins, who is recovering from lumbar back stress.Green had only recently returned to bowling in competitive cricket, taking 1-13 from four overs during Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield match against NSW last week. This marked his first bowling spell since undergoing spinal surgery last October.The injury represents a new challenge in Green’s careful return to full fitness following his back operation, where doctors fused his L4 vertebrae. The current side soreness is not related to his previous surgery.Labuschagne’s inclusion comes after impressive recent performances, including four centuries in the domestic season for Queensland. His teammate Matthew Renshaw provided insight into Labuschagne’s current form: “He’s just so on, peak Marnus. It’s really good to see, and it’s good that the work he’s done in the off-season is working out for him now… he’s (only) missed out once (this season).”The series against India has faced multiple changes to the Australian lineup. Josh Philippe will replace wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, who is recovering from a calf strain, while Matthew Kuhnemann will step in for Adam Zampa, who will miss the match for personal reasons.Labuschagne’s recent form, including two centuries in the one-day format – 130 against Victoria and 105 against Tasmania – strengthens his case for immediate inclusion in the playing XI. His latest achievement includes scoring 159 at Adelaide Oval in the Sheffield Shield.Green’s absence could create an opportunity for Matthew Renshaw to make his debut at No.4, a position where he has maintained an average of 50 with a strike rate exceeding 100 over the past four One-Day Cup seasons.The Australian team management continues to prioritise player fitness and recovery, particularly with the crucial Ashes series on the horizon. Other players currently managing injuries include Sean Abbott with a hand injury and Brendan Doggett with a hamstring issue.Jhye Richardson, recovering from shoulder surgery, showed positive signs by bowling a lengthy spell during the ODI squad’s first training session in Perth on Thursday. Green had previously skipped the T20 tour of New Zealand to focus on Sheffield Shield cricket as part of his Ashes preparation.Australia vs India ODIs 2025Australia 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. Game two onwards: Adam Zampa, Alex Carey, Josh InglisIndia 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
