Major Setbacks for Australia Ahead of India ODI Series
The Australian cricket team is facing an unexpected challenge as two key players have been ruled out of the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against India. Wicket-keeper Josh Inglis and frontline spinner Adam Zampa will miss parts of the series, creating a ripple effect through the squad.
Injury and Paternity Leave Force Changes
Josh Inglis suffered a calf strain during a training session in Perth, making him unavailable for the first ODI. In response, Josh Philippe has been called up to the squad and is set to make his first ODI appearance since 2021. Adding to the spin options, Matthew Kuhnemann has also joined the team.
Adam Zampa’s absence stems from a happy reason: paternity leave, as his wife Harriet is expecting their second child. While these changes are immediate, the team remains hopeful. Inglis is expected to recover in time for the third ODI in Sydney on October 25, and Zampa is anticipated to return for the Adelaide ODI.
Adding another layer to the squad’s dynamics, Alex Carey will miss the initial match to participate in South Australia’s Sheffield Shield fixture against Queensland. This allows him to prioritize preparations for the highly anticipated Ashes series, with plans for him to rejoin the ODI squad before the second match.
Revised Schedule and Squad
The series against India features both ODIs and T20Is:
- First ODI: October 19, Perth
- Second ODI: October 23, Adelaide
- Third ODI: October 25, Sydney
- First T20I: October 29, Canberra
- Second T20I: October 31, Melbourne
- Third T20I: November 2, Hobart
- Fourth T20I: November 6, Gold Coast
- Fifth T20I: November 8, Brisbane
Australia’s ODI squad includes: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey (wicket-keeper), Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wicket-keeper), Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (wicket-keeper), Matt Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.
This forced reshuffle not only addresses immediate player availability but also provides an opportunity for Australia to integrate new talent and manage player workloads effectively, especially with a critical series against India on the horizon.