Brisbane: Australia has made another key change to its squad ahead of the three-match ODI series against India, with middle-order batter Marnus Labuschagne stepping in for injured all-rounder Cameron Green.
Green has been sidelined due to muscle tightness, and team management has opted to take a cautious approach given the looming Ashes series. According to a statement released by Cricket Australia, Green will undergo rehabilitation and is expected to return in time for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue building towards the high-stakes Test series.
“This is purely a precaution to manage his workload and ensure full fitness for the Ashes,” said team officials, emphasizing that Green’s absence from the India series is not linked to any serious injury.
Labuschagne, who was not originally named in the squad, earned a call-up after a strong domestic showing. He hammered 159 runs for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield on Thursday — marking his fourth century of the season and making a strong case for national selection.
This update marks the third change to the Australian lineup for the opening ODI. Earlier, Josh Philippe was named as a replacement for the injured Josh Inglis, while spinner Matthew Kuhnemann came in for Adam Zampa, who is unavailable due to personal reasons.
The first ODI is scheduled to begin this Sunday, with both teams treating the series as crucial preparation ahead of upcoming Test commitments. For India, the spotlight is back on senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both returning to action after a long break. The duo, who have not featured in the national side since March, are expected to play a leading role in the series.
Australia’s adjusted squad now includes:
Mitchell Marsh (captain), 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.
Additional players joining after the second ODI: Adam Zampa, Alex Carey, and Josh Inglis.
With both sides testing bench strength and key players making comebacks, the series promises to offer plenty of action ahead of a packed cricket calendar.
