In a significant setback for Australia, all-rounder Cameron Green will miss the upcoming three-ODI series against India, which kicks off on October 19 in Perth. Green has been ruled out after experiencing minor “side soreness” during training earlier this week. 

Cricket Australia (CA) has called up batter Marnus Labuschagne as his replacement, with the 31-year-old looking to solidify his place in the national side.

CA described Green’s issue as “side soreness,” reportedly picked up while bowling in training. While the injury is considered “low grade” and “precautionary,” there are concerns about his fitness ahead of the 2025 Ashes, given his crucial role as an all-rounder. The board expects Green to be available for the third round of the Sheffield Shield, Australia’s premier domestic red-ball tournament, scheduled from October 28-31.

“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 stated.

Green’s recent bowling return

Green had only recently returned to competitive bowling after back surgery last year. He had skipped the T20I series against New Zealand to participate in the opening Sheffield Shield round and gradually build his workload.

Though he was scheduled to bowl eight overs in the match, he bowled only half, taking one wicket, as CA’s medical team restricted his overs due to consecutive-day bowling concerns.

Impact on ODI and Ashes plans

Green was expected to feature in the first two ODIs against India as a specialist batter and be rested for the third match and the entire T20I series, in order to focus on Shield games. His bowling became even more critical following the news that Pat Cummins may miss the first Ashes Test, starting November 21, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Green’s precautionary withdrawal highlights Australia’s focus on the Ashes over the India series. First-choice wicketkeeper Alex Carey will also miss the first ODI in Perth to play the Shield match between South Australia and Queensland in Adelaide as part of his Ashes preparations.