Australia’s preparations for the ODI series against India have taken an unexpected turn, with leg-spinner Adam Zampa and wicketkeeper Josh Inglis confirmed to miss the opening match in Perth. The selectors have called up Matthew Kuhnemann and Josh Philippe, injecting fresh faces into a crucial encounter.
Why Zampa Is Missing the First ODI
Adam Zampa will remain at home in New South Wales as his wife, Harriet, is nearing the birth of their second child. With Perth being a challenging location for quick return travel, Zampa has opted to skip the first ODI.
However, he is expected to rejoin the squad for the second and third ODIs in Adelaide and Sydney, where travel logistics are easier.
Despite his absence, Zampa remains a key figure in Australia’s white-ball plans and is due to participate in the full T20I series that follows—all set on the east coast.
Josh Inglis Still Recovering from Injury
Josh Inglis is sidelined due to a calf strain sustained during training in Perth. He will miss not only the first ODI but also the second in Adelaide. Australia is hopeful he will return for the third match in Sydney, but his availability will depend on late fitness tests.
Inglis’ absence opens the door for Josh Philippe, who is set to don the gloves in an ODI for the first time. Philippe has not represented Australia since 2023 but enters in strong domestic form, particularly in red-ball cricket.
Alex Carey to Skip Perth for Red-Ball Preparation
Interestingly, Alex Carey—Australia’s first-choice ODI wicketkeeper—is also unavailable for Perth. He will stay in Adelaide to play Sheffield Shield cricket in preparation for the upcoming Ashes, reflecting Australia’s broader strategy to manage multi-format players.
Australia must now trust Philippe, a specialist batter and part-time keeper, to handle duties behind the stumps.
Matthew Kuhnemann Gets His Chance
Kuhnemann returns to ODI cricket after nearly three years. Despite being part of multiple squads over recent months—including Test, ODI, and T20 tours—he has barely played. His last appearance was the T20I in Jamaica against West Indies.
This Perth ODI marks:
- His first ODI on Australian soil
- A crucial chance to showcase his left-arm spin after solid form for Tasmania, including a surprise 56* with the bat this season
Balancing Workload Ahead of Ashes
Australia’s selectors face a serious balancing act:
- Cameron Green will play the first two ODIs but may miss the third to play Sheffield Shield and build bowling loads.
- Fast bowlers like Starc and Hazlewood are also being rotated carefully to stay fresh for the Test summer.
This series is more than just about beating India—it’s a stress test for squad depth ahead of the Ashes.
Australia ODI Squad vs India
Mitchell Marsh (capt), 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
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