Cameron Green, the seam-bowling all-rounder, has been ruled out of Australia’s upcoming three-match ODI series against India after suffering a side injury during training this week. The all-rounder’s absence will be a major setback for the hosts. In-form batter Marnus Labuschagne has been called up as his replacement.
A Cricket Australia spokesperson confirmed this news and said, “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 statement also confirmed that the injury is a minor one and Green is expected to return to domestic games later this month before the first Ashes Test against England.
Incidentally, last year, Green underwent a back surgery. When the all-rounder returned to the Australian set-up, he was mostly picked for his batting. However, last week, he did take 1 for 13 in a Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales.
Meanwhile, Labuschagne’s inclusion will give Australia solid batting depth, and his experience will help against a strong Indian side. The 31-year-old has played 66 ODI matches and scored 1871 runs at an average of 34.64. He has also picked 10 wickets at an economy rate of 6.65.
The series will start in Perth, on Sunday, October 19.
Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (C), 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.
Games two and three only: Adam Zampa, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis.
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