Ellyse Perry and Kim Garth to miss the ODI series vs India (Source: @ICC/x.com, @AusWomenCricket/x.com)
After completing the thrilling T20I series, Australia Women have begun their three-match ODI series against India Women. But even before stepping onto the first game, they faced massive setbacks as Ellyse Perry and Kim Garth were ruled out of the series due to injuries.
An unfortunate quad strain kept both the stars away from the game, as the Australian side has also announced their replacements. As the Aussies were looking for a mighty comeback after the T20 series defeat, the injury setback became a major concern for them.
Injury jolt hits Australia with Perry and Garth out of ODIs
After wrapping up the WPL, India Women side travelled to Australia for a limited-over series and created history in the T20I series. Facing Australia on their home turf is never easy, but Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. delivered a dominant show to hand them their first home bilateral series defeat in nine years.
Following the heartbreak, Australia Women aimed to bounce back in the three-match ODI series, but that started with a nightmare. Even before stepping into the inaugural game of the series, the Aussie camp was hit by two consecutive injury blows that became a massive concern for them.
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In the third T20I against the Women in Blue, Ellyse Perry and Kim Garth sustained quad strains. That has turned out to be a huge setback as those injuries kept both the stars out of the action. Now, they have both been ruled out of the entire ODI series against India Women. That has been a major setback for the side.
Cricket Australia names Schutt and Hamilton as replacements
The twin injury blows pushed Australia Women into a tough spot, but Cricket Australia named solid replacements to fill their void. Ace bowlers Megan Schutt and Lucy Hamilton have been called up as the injury replacements of Perry and Garth. With their arrival, the Aussie squad got a much-needed boost.
Over the years, Megan Schutt has been a match-winner for the Australian side with her lethal seam bowling. Her dangerous in-swingers have troubled batters, making her one of the most feared pacers in women’s cricket. In 108 ODIs, she claimed 145 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 4.28.
On the other hand, Lucy Hamilton has earned her maiden call-up to the Australia Women's squad. The young left arm fast bowler is set to make her debut for the senior Australian side, as she represented the U-19 side. Adding to that, he also showcased her lethal bowling on the big stage of WBBL.
Australia Women plot a strong comeback in the ODI series
The Australia Women faced a massive setback in the recently ended three-match T20I series as they faced a 2-1 defeat. After starting the series with a defeat, their lone victory came in the second T20I match. Following the disappointing campaign, they are now aiming for a fresh start and redemption in the ODI series.
But this time, Australia will face India Women, who arrive as reigning world champions after lifting the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in November 2025. The challenge will be intense, but Australia remain a formidable force at home. Adding to that, India Women are yet to win an ODI series in Australia, and the Aussies have a good chance to keep the domination alive.
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