Australia has been dealt a significant double blow just as their One-Day International (ODI) series against India is set to begin. Wicket-keeper Josh Inglis has been ruled out due to a calf injury, and star spinner Adam Zampa is unavailable for personal family reasons.
Inglis, who sustained a calf strain during a training session in Perth, will miss the first ODI. Josh Philippe has been called up as his replacement, marking his return to ODI cricket since his last appearance against the West Indies in 2021. To further strengthen their options, spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has also been added to the squad.
Adding to the team’s challenges, Alex Carey is set to miss the series opener. He is currently playing in South Australia’s Sheffield Shield match against Queensland, focusing on his preparations for the upcoming Ashes series. Carey is expected to rejoin the ODI squad before the second match.
Zampa’s absence is due to paternity leave, as his wife Harriet is close to giving birth to their second child. Cricket Australia remains optimistic that Inglis will recover in time for the third ODI in Sydney on October 25, while Zampa is anticipated to be available for the Adelaide ODI.
Kuhnemann is now in contention to play his first ODI since 2022, with Matt Short and Cooper Connolly providing additional spin options for the Australian side.
Series Schedule:
- 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 ODI Squad vs India:
- Mitchell Marsh (capt)
- Xavier Bartlett
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Cooper Connolly
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Nathan Ellis
- Cameron Green
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Matthew Kuhnemann
- Mitchell Owen
- Josh Philippe (wk)
- Matt Renshaw
- Matthew Short
- Mitchell Starc
- Adam Zampa
This unexpected reshuffle provides Australia with an opportunity to test new talent and manage player workloads effectively ahead of a crucial series against India.