Marnus Labuschagne replaces injured Cameron Green for India's tour of Australia
Marnus Labuschagne has been added to Australia’s ODI squad to face India, after all-rounder Cameron Green was ruled out of the three-match series with a side strain. Green experienced "low grade" soreness during training, prompting a cautious approach from Cricket Australia, with the Ashes series looming just six weeks away. The series against India begins Sunday in Perth.
Cricket Australia confirmed Green will now focus on recovery. “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 board said in a statement. The injury is a setback for Green, who had only recently returned to competitive bowling following back surgery last year.
Labuschagne’s recall comes after he was initially omitted from the squad following scores of one and one against South Africa in August. He forced his way back into the selectors' plans with a great run of domestic form, compiling four centuries in his last five innings across both 50-over and first-class cricket. He will join the Australian squad in Perth following the conclusion of Queensland's current Sheffield Shield match.
Green’s injury marks the third change Australia has been forced to make for the series opener. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis is sidelined with a calf strain, with Josh Philippe called up as his replacement. Matthew Kuhnemann has also been drafted into the squad, as Adam Zampa is unavailable for the first match due to family reasons. The team is also without skipper Pat Cummins for the entire series and Alex Carey for the first ODI, as Carey prioritizes red-ball preparation.
Despite the setback, teammate Travis Head expressed confidence that Green's injury would not affect his availability for the Ashes. "I don't think it will have any impact on the Ashes," Head commented. "It's more disappointing that he's not here at the moment for the next three games, so he'll work through that. I don't think it's too serious, so probably more precautionary leading into the next five weeks."
