Australia suffers setback: Two key players ruled out of first ODI against India

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Ahead of the much-awaited ODI series against India, the Australian cricket team has been dealt a major blow. Star players Josh Inglis and Adam Zampa have been ruled out of the first ODI match to be played in Perth on 19th November.

According to Cricket Australia (CA), wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis sustained a calf injury and has been ruled out of the opening match, while premier leg-spinner Adam Zampa will miss the game due to personal reasons. However, CA is hopeful that Inglis will recover in time for the third ODI on October 25 in Sydney, whereas Zampa is expected to rejoin the squad before the second game.

In their absence, Josh Philippe and Matthew Kuhnemann have been drafted into the squad as replacements. Philippe, who last played an ODI in 2021, has featured in three ODIs so far, scoring 65 runs at an average of 21.66. Kuhnemann, on the other hand, last appeared in 2022 and has taken 6 wickets in 4 ODIs at an average of 31.83.

The series marks a crucial phase for both teams ahead of the upcoming international calendar. India and Australia will clash in three ODIs Perth (19 Oct), Adelaide (23 Oct), and Sydney (25 Oct) followed by a five-match T20 series between 29 October and 8 November.

Cricket analysts believe this absence could impact Australia’s bowling combination, especially on fast and bouncy Australian pitches where Zampa’s spin often plays a decisive role.

Australia’s ODI Squad:

Mitchell Marsh (Captain), 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.