Australia's Ashes hopes have taken a hit! All-rounder Cameron Green is out of the upcoming ODI series against India due to side soreness. This isn't just about missing a few games; it throws a wrench into Australia's plans for the Ashes series against England.
Green, 26, experienced low-grade side soreness, sidelining him for the entire ODI series. He will now focus on rehabilitation to be fit for Western Australia's next Sheffield Shield match scheduled for October 28th. Replacing him in the squad is Marnus Labuschagne. Labuschagne will join the team in Perth after completing his Sheffield Shield match in Adelaide on Saturday night, just in time for the first ODI on Sunday.
But here's where it gets controversial... Green's injury raises serious questions about workload management and the pressure on young players.
Green's recent return to competitive bowling following back surgery last year makes this setback particularly concerning. He even skipped the T20I tour of New Zealand to participate in the opening Sheffield Shield round for Western Australia against New South Wales. During that match, he was initially slated to bowl eight overs but ultimately bowled only four, claiming one wicket. Cricket Australia's medical staff restricted him from bowling on consecutive days, ensuring a full day's rest between his four-over spells, due to Western Australia's batting performance in their first innings.
He was expected to gradually increase his bowling workload during the ODI series against India, with the intention of bowling more overs in the third Shield round. The plan was to rest him from the third ODI in Sydney and the subsequent T20I series, allowing him to participate in the third and fourth Shield rounds, crucial preparation for the Ashes.
Unfortunately, Green experienced soreness after a bowling training session this week. He will now undergo a brief rehabilitation period, with the goal of participating and bowling in Western Australia's third Shield game against South Australia at the WACA, starting in 11 days.
This injury is a significant concern for Australia, who were relying on Green's full fitness and unrestricted bowling capabilities for the Ashes. The situation is further complicated by the fitness concerns surrounding Test captain Pat Cummins, who recently stated that he was "less likely than likely" to play in the first Test against England, commencing on November 21st in Perth. This puts even more pressure on the already stretched bowling attack.
Adding to Australia's worries, another Test all-rounder, Beau Webster, is also dealing with an injury. He missed the initial two Shield matches for Tasmania after twisting his ankle during training two weeks prior. However, Cricket Australia has taken a cautious approach with Webster, and he is expected to be fit for Tasmania's next Shield game on October 28th. In this case, the caution seems to have paid off.
Green's absence further weakens Australia's ODI team, already missing several key players. Remember his explosive 118 not out off just 55 balls in Australia's last ODI against South Africa in August? That kind of firepower will be sorely missed.
World Cup-winning captain Cummins is unavailable for the entire India series. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis will miss at least the first two ODIs due to a calf strain. Adam Zampa will miss the Perth ODI to be with his pregnant wife in northern New South Wales. Alex Carey, usually a first-choice ODI player and backup wicketkeeper, will also miss the first ODI in Perth to prioritize playing in the Shield match between South Australia and Queensland in Adelaide, focusing on his Ashes preparation. This decision highlights the importance placed on the Ashes series.
Labuschagne's recall to the ODI squad follows a remarkable run of form, including a recent score of 159, his fourth century in just five domestic innings. Despite being dropped from the ODI squad prior to the India series due to inconsistent performances over the past year, Labuschagne has been a standout player in the One-Day Cup for Queensland, with scores of 130 off 118 against Victoria and 105 off 91 against Tasmania.
And this is the part most people miss... Labuschagne's inclusion isn't just about filling a gap; it's a testament to the importance of domestic cricket and how quickly fortunes can change in sport. Could this injury to Green be an opportunity in disguise for Labuschagne to cement his place in the ODI squad?
What do you think? Is Australia right to prioritize Ashes preparation over ODI series wins? Is the pressure on young all-rounders like Green too much, leading to injuries? Share your thoughts in the comments!
