Labuschagne replaces Green in Australia ODI squad vs India

Australia all-rounder Cameron Green has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against India due to side soreness, with Marnus Labuschagne named as his replacement. The injury has been assessed as low grade and Cricket Australia (CA) has opted for a precautionary approach given Green’s significance to their Ashes plans.

Green will miss the three ODIs scheduled for Oct. 19, 23 and 25, but is expected to return for Western Australia’s next Sheffield Shield fixture starting Oct. 28. The all-rounder made his bowling comeback in last week’s Shield match - his first since undergoing back surgery last year - where he picked up a wicket in a four-over spell. CA confirmed that his current setback is unrelated to the operation he had last October.

“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,” CA said in a statement this morning.

Labuschagne returns to the ODI setup in the midst of a rich form, as two of his four centuries for his domestic side, Queensland, have come in the 50-over format. The top-order batter was initially overlooked for selection after he returned scores of 1 and 1 in the home ODIs against South Africa in August.

This marks Australia’s third enforced change ahead of the series opener against India - Josh Philippe stepped in for Josh Inglis, who remains sidelined with a calf strain, while Matthew Kuhnemann replaced Adam Zampa, who is unavailable for the series opener due to family commitments.

From the second fixture onwards, Australia will have Zampa, Inglis and Alex Carey ready to feature.

Rohit, Virat hit nets in Perth: Former India captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli hit the nets at the Perth Stadium on Friday, gearing up for the much-anticipated three-match ODI series against Australia beginning on Sunday.

The two senior pros looked in fine touch as they spent considerable time in the middle during an intense training session. Rohit was seen perfecting his trademark pull and flick shots, while Kohli focused on his cover drives and straight strokes, working meticulously on timing and placement.

Adding to the lively atmosphere, Rohit and Kohli were spotted sharing a laugh during the practice, a moment that reflected the camaraderie and positive spirit within the Indian camp.

The upcoming series marks the return of the iconic duo to international cricket after more than seven months. Both last featured in India’s Champions Trophy triumph in March, before announcing their retirement from Test cricket - a decision that limits their national appearances to the 50-over format.

Rohit and Kohli had announced their T20I retirements after the T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados last year.

With their wealth of experience and match-winning pedigree, Rohit and Kohli are expected to play pivotal roles in shaping India’s ODI fortunes Down Under.

Meanwhile, the series will also usher in a new era with Shubman Gill taking over as India’s ODI captain, a move seen as part of the long-term vision leading up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Gill has already made an impressive start to his leadership journey, guiding India to a 2-2 draw in a gripping five-Test series against England earlier this year, followed by his maiden Test series win over the West Indies earlier this month.

Australia may see last of Kohli, Rohit in ODI series: Australian cricket fans may have their last chance to see India batting stalwarts Kohli and Rohit in action. Boasting almost 600 ODIs between them, both 36-year-old Kohli and 38-year-old Rohit are active internationally only in the 50-overs format but their future beyond the three-match series is uncertain.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir was tight-lipped when asked this week whether the duo might continue on under new captain Gill.

If Australia is to be their last taste of international cricket, it will be in front of crowds packed with fans from the country’s booming Indian communities in Perth, Adelaide (Oct. 23) and Sydney (Oct. 25).

A number of Test players in the Australia squad, including batter Travis Head and veteran pacemen, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, will use the series to loosen up for the Ashes.

It will Starc’s first start in international cricket in the Australasian summer, having retired from T20s.

Agencies