Australia have suffered a major setback ahead of their three-match ODI series against India, as all-rounder Cameron Green has been ruled out due to a side strain. The series, which begins on October 19 in Perth, was expected to be a key tune-up for both teams, but Green’s absence has now forced Cricket Australia (CA) to make a last-minute change, calling up Marnus Labuschagne as his replacement.

CA confirmed that Green sustained “side soreness” while bowling in the nets earlier this week. While the board described the injury as “low grade” and “precautionary,” the setback has raised concerns about Green’s readiness for the 2025 Ashes, given his critical role as an all-rounder in the Test setup.

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“Green will complete a short rehabilitation phase and is tracking well to return in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his Ashes preparation,” CA said in an official statement. The Sheffield Shield’s third round runs from October 28–31, and Green is expected to feature if recovery goes as planned.

Cameron Green has been ruled out due to low grade side soreness, making way for Marnus Labuschagne who’s coming off 4 tons in his last 5 innings across Shield & one-day games 🔙

Read more: https://t.co/phCmOcssFs pic.twitter.com/rA9JuUOTcK

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 17, 2025

Green, who underwent back surgery last year, has been gradually rebuilding his bowling workload. He recently skipped the T20I series against New Zealand to play the opening Shield round, where he bowled just four overs instead of the planned eight due to back-to-back bowling days. Though he took a wicket, CA’s medical team decided not to risk aggravation.

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As per ESPNcricinfo, Green was initially slated to play as a specialist batter in the first two ODIs against India and rest for the third before focusing on red-ball cricket. His omission underscores Australia’s decision to prioritise the Ashes over short-format fixtures.

Adding to Australia’s cautious approach, Alex Carey, the team’s first-choice wicketkeeper, will also miss the opening ODI in Perth to participate in South Australia’s Shield match against Queensland in Adelaide — another move reflecting Australia’s focus on long-term fitness and form ahead of the Ashes.