Australia’s first one-day international against India began minus two of its biggest names. Allrounder Ellyse Perry and seamer Kim Garth, both nursing quad strains picked up in Saturday’s decisive T20 at Adelaide Oval, have been ruled out of the three-match ODI series. Their eyes are now on the one-off Test in Perth that starts 6 March.
“Their availability for the Test match will be further assessed at the end of the ODI series pending on how they progress with rehab,” a Cricket Australia statement confirmed.
Replacements were found quickly. Megan Schutt, initially left out of the limited-overs squads, slotted straight into the XI at the Gabba and trapped India opener Pratika Rawal lbw with her second ball. Left-arm quick Lucy Hamilton, still 19 yet already four WBBL seasons deep with Brisbane Heat, has joined the squad as cover and waits for an international debut. She also had a brief taste of the WPL with Delhi Capitals earlier this month.
Perry’s absence opened the No.3 spot for Georgia Voll, fresh from an 88 in the only T20 Australia won. Spinner Alana King and experienced all-rounder Tahlia McGrath, overlooked for the T20Is, are back as well.
Captain Alyssa Healy moved to her familiar opening berth, signalling the start of what is expected to be her final home summer. She will not keep wicket, leaving that job full-time to Beth Mooney. Sophie Molineux, who led during the T20s, remains vice-captain for this series.
The dual injury is a setback, yet there is cautious optimism both players will recover in time for the red-ball contest at the WACA. Perry’s batting has been central to Australia’s Test plans, while Garth’s nippy seamers offer balance to a pace attack likely to feature Darcie Brown and Schutt.
For now, the immediate task is three ODIs against the reigning world champions. Australia still possess depth, but India arrive with the confidence of a 2-1 T20 success and memories of their 2022 World Cup triumph. The next week should reveal whether Australia’s reshuffled line-up can settle quickly—and whether Perry and Garth can tick enough rehab boxes to take their places in Perth.
