Australia have been forced to reshuffle their squad ahead of the opening One Day International against India, with wicketkeeper Josh Inglis and spinner Adam Zampa both unavailable. The setback comes just days before the highly anticipated series opener, putting early pressure on Australia’s depth and balance.
Josh Inglis has been ruled out with a calf strain, an injury sustained during a training session earlier in the week. The Australian medical team has confirmed that Inglis will require several days of rest and rehabilitation, effectively ruling him out of the first match. His absence leaves a noticeable void behind the stumps, as Inglis has been a consistent performer in white-ball cricket over the past year, providing stability both as a wicketkeeper and a flexible middle-order batsman.
Adam Zampa, meanwhile, has withdrawn from the squad due to personal family reasons. Zampa has been a mainstay in Australia’s limited-overs setup and one of the few bowlers capable of containing India’s aggressive batting unit in the middle overs. His absence significantly weakens Australia’s spin attack, especially given the conditions expected in Perth, where spinners often play a supporting but still crucial role in controlling the flow of runs.
In response, the selectors have brought in Josh Philippe and Matt Kuhnemann as replacements. Philippe, who last played for Australia in 2022, returns to the ODI setup and is expected to take the gloves in Inglis’s absence. Known for his aggressive top-order batting in the Big Bash League, Philippe offers attacking intent but lacks consistent international exposure. This series could serve as a defining opportunity for him to cement a backup wicketkeeper-batter role in the national setup.
Matt Kuhnemann, a left-arm orthodox spinner, steps in for Zampa. Kuhnemann impressed during his brief Test stint in India in 2023 and has been working to develop his one-day game with Queensland and Brisbane Heat. His ability to extract turn and control the pace could prove valuable, though filling Zampa’s shoes will be no easy task. Kuhnemann will likely share spin duties with Ashton Agar, if the conditions permit.
Australian captain Pat Cummins downplayed the disruptions, stating that the team remains confident in its squad depth. He noted that the series against India will provide an opportunity for fringe players to step up ahead of the 2026 ODI calendar. Despite the enforced changes, Australia will still field a strong lineup, with players like Travis Head, Steve Smith, and Glenn Maxwell leading the batting charge, while Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood handle the pace responsibilities.
For India, the absence of two experienced Australians offers a slight advantage heading into the series opener. With the Men in Blue fielding a full-strength side, including Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Kuldeep Yadav, the visitors will look to capitalize on Australia’s momentary vulnerabilities.
Still, the hosts have a history of rebounding under pressure. With Philippe eager to prove himself and Kuhnemann aiming to make a mark, Australia’s new-look lineup will be motivated to start the series strongly despite the setbacks.
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