Injured Green afforded rest, Labuschagne picked for India ODIs

Cameron Green has been sidelined from the India ODIs with soreness. Marnus Labuschagne will replace the all-rounder. This fresh injury, however, has been diagnosed as ‘low grade’ and Cricket Australia has taken the precautionary route given the utility cricketer’s importance to Australia’s Ashes plans.

Green will sit out of the ODIs on October 19, 23 and 25, however he is expected to take part in Western Australia’s next Sheffield Shield game that commences on October 28. The all-rounder made his competitive bowling return in last week’s Shield game for the first time since going under the knife last year, and picked a wicket in a four-over spell.

“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 mix on the back of consistent domestic performances as two of his four centuries for his domestic side Queensland have materialized in the 50-over format. The top-order batter was overlooked earlier after he returned scores of 1 and 1 in the home ODIs against South Africa in August.

With this latest development, Australia have now had to make three changes for the series opener against India – with Josh Phillippe replacing Josh Inglis, whose recovery from a calf strain continues, while Adam Zampa is set to miss out on the opener in Perth due to familial obligations. From the second fixture onwards, Australia will have the services of Zampa, Carey and Inglis.

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

Inclusions from second ODI onwards: Adam Zampa, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis