Task cut out for Australia in ODI series opener against India in Perth as star players set to miss the action

Australia have been hit by a double setback ahead of the first One-Day International against India (to be held at Perth), with wicketkeeper Josh Inglis ruled out due to a calf injury, and spinner Adam Zampa unavailable for family reasons.

Zampa’s absence is due to paternity leave, with his wife, Harriet, expecting the couple’s second child. While he will miss the series opener, Cricket Australia remain hopeful he will return in time for the second ODI in Adelaide.

Josh Philippe has been called up as Inglis's replacement, marking his first appearance in the national 50-over setup since playing against the West Indies in 2021. Inglis, who picked up the injury during a training run in Perth, is expected to recover in time for the third and final ODI in Sydney on 25 October.

To bolster their spin options in Zampa’s absence, Matthew Kuhnemann has been added to the squad. The left-arm spinner is in line for his first ODI since 2022 and joins Matt Short and Cooper Connolly as spin alternatives for the hosts.

Meanwhile, Alex Carey will also miss the opening fixture as he continues his Sheffield Shield duties for South Australia against Queensland. The red-ball match is part of Carey’s build-up to the upcoming Ashes series, and he is expected to rejoin the national squad ahead of the second ODI.

The string of absences presents a challenge for Australia as they gear up to face a strong Indian side. However, the inclusion of lesser-experienced players like Philippe and Kuhnemann provides an opportunity for them to step up and impress in home conditions.

Despite the disruption, team management remains optimistic about the squad’s depth and is hopeful that key players will return in time for the latter part of the series. (With inputs from Agencies)