Australia's Perry and Garth Sidelined for ODI Series Against India
In a significant blow to the Australian women's cricket team, star players Ellyse Perry and Kim Garth have been ruled out of the entire One-Day International (ODI) series against world champions India. Both athletes sustained quad strains during the T20 loss to India on Saturday, forcing them to withdraw from the upcoming matches.
Replacements and Team Adjustments
Their places in the squad have been filled by fast bowlers Megan Schutt and Lucy Hamilton. Schutt was immediately named in the side for Tuesday's opening ODI clash at Allan Border Field, where India won the toss and elected to bat first. Despite the double injury setback, the Aussies showed resilience, with Schutt striking on the second ball after being asked to bowl.
Cricket Australia issued a statement regarding Perry and Garth's potential return, indicating that their availability for the one-off Test at the end of the ODI series will be assessed based on their rehabilitation progress. The statement noted, "Their availability for the Test match will be further assessed at the end of the ODI series pending on how they progress with rehab."
Team Lineups and Leadership Changes
In other team news, as reported by AAP on Monday, returning skipper Alyssa Healy will not keep wicket during the series, with Beth Mooney taking over the gloves. This adjustment allows Healy to focus on her captaincy duties while Mooney handles wicketkeeping responsibilities.
The Australian squad for the series includes:
- Alyssa Healy (captain)
- Phoebe Litchfield
- Georgia Voll
- Beth Mooney (wicketkeeper)
- Annabel Sutherland
- Ashleigh Gardner
- Tahlia McGrath
- Sophie Molienux
- Alana King
- Megan Schutt
- Darcie Brown
India's lineup features:
- Smriti Mandhana
- Pratika Rawal
- Shafali Verma
- Harmanpreet Kaur (captain)
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper)
- Deepti Sharma
- Kashvee Gautam
- Sree Charani
- Kranti Gaud
- Renuka Singh
This series marks a crucial test for Australia as they face the reigning world champions without two key players, highlighting the depth and adaptability of the squad under pressure.
