🇦🇺 Australia Face Double Setback Before India ODI — Zampa & Inglis Ruled Out
The build-up to the India vs Australia 2025 ODI series has taken an unexpected twist as Adam Zampa and Josh Inglis have been ruled out of the first ODI in Perth. The news comes as a major jolt for the Australian squad just days before the series opener at the Optus Stadium, where both sides are looking to fine-tune their line-ups ahead of a packed international calendar.
Cricketory brings you the complete breakdown, analysis, and insights into how these last-minute changes could reshape Australia’s strategy against a full-strength Indian side.
👶 Adam Zampa Out Due to Paternity Reasons
Star leg-spinner Adam Zampa, a crucial figure in Australia’s white-ball setup, will miss the first ODI due to paternity reasons. His wife, Harriet, is expecting their second child, and Zampa has opted to remain in northern New South Wales to be with his family.
🗣️ Zampa’s Priorities Over Cricket
This decision highlights Zampa’s commitment to family over cricket — a move widely supported by fans and teammates alike. Cricket Australia confirmed that Zampa will rejoin the team ahead of the second ODI in Adelaide and is also expected to feature in the five-match T20I series that follows.
Cricketory Insight 🎙️
Zampa’s absence in Perth is significant — his wrist spin has been pivotal in containing middle overs against India’s aggressive batting lineup. Without him, Australia’s attack loses a vital wicket-taking option.
🩹 Josh Inglis’ Calf Injury Adds to the Woes
While Zampa’s absence was personal, Josh Inglis’ injury came as an untimely blow. The wicketkeeper-batter suffered a calf strain during a running session in Perth. The injury, which had already kept him out of the New Zealand tour, has not fully healed, ruling him out of at least the first two ODIs.
🔍 Expected Return Timeline
Inglis is unlikely to feature in the second ODI in Adelaide as well. Alex Carey is expected to return for that match after fulfilling his domestic duties in the Sheffield Shield.
For now, Josh Philippe will step in as the wicketkeeper for the Perth match — his first ODI appearance since 2021.
Cricketory Analysis 🧠
Australia’s depth in the wicketkeeping department is being tested again. Inglis’ dynamic batting in the lower middle order had become an asset — replacing that balance will be a key challenge.
🧤 Josh Philippe Gets a Second Chance
The call-up of Josh Philippe adds an intriguing twist to Australia’s top order. The 27-year-old, known for his aggressive stroke play, last represented Australia during the Caribbean tour of 2021.
Since then, he has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket — both in the Big Bash League (BBL) and for New South Wales in the Marsh Cup.
💬 From Domestic Form to International Recall
Philippe has been in superb touch in recent months, scoring crucial runs for Australia A and showing maturity in his shot selection. His return marks a well-earned reward for perseverance and domestic excellence.
Cricketory Verdict 🏁
Philippe’s recall could inject energy into Australia’s top order. With his explosive batting, he might be the surprise factor against India’s new-ball pair of Siraj and Arshdeep.
🌿 Matthew Kuhnemann Returns After Three Years
Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann also makes his return to the Australian ODI setup. His last ODI appearance was during the 2022 Sri Lanka tour, where he impressed with sharp turn and control.
Since then, Kuhnemann has remained on the fringes of national selection, often traveling as a backup spinner. His inclusion now fills the void left by Zampa’s absence.
🌀 Kuhnemann’s Role in Perth
The Perth pitch traditionally favors pacers, but Australia’s decision to include Kuhnemann shows a tactical balance — possibly preparing him for the slower surfaces in Adelaide and Sydney, where spin could play a major role.
Cricketory Breakdown 🧩
Kuhnemann’s strength lies in his ability to build pressure through tight lines rather than sharp turn. He complements the pace-heavy attack and adds variety to the middle overs.
⚙️ Australia’s Adjusted Squad Strategy
Australia’s management now faces the challenge of reshuffling roles to maintain balance in both batting and bowling departments.
Without Zampa, Travis Head and Matthew Short may share part-time spin duties. Meanwhile, Cameron Green, though expected to play, may not bowl much due to workload management.
Likely Playing XI (Perth ODI):
- Travis Head
- Mitchell Marsh (c)
- Josh Philippe (wk)
- Cameron Green
- Matt Renshaw
- Matthew Short
- Nathan Ellis
- Mitchell Starc
- Josh Hazlewood
- Xavier Bartlett
- Matthew Kuhnemann
🧠 Cricketory Tactical Analysis: Key Talking Points
🔸 1. Lack of Spin Depth
Without Adam Zampa, Australia lose their only experienced wrist-spinner. Kuhnemann, while talented, hasn’t played much international cricket recently. This could be India’s opportunity to dominate the middle overs.
🔸 2. Philippe’s Inclusion Could Reshape Batting Order
Josh Philippe may open alongside Travis Head, pushing Mitchell Marsh down to number three. This reshuffle could either provide explosive starts or expose Australia’s middle order if early wickets fall.
🔸 3. Cameron Green’s Dual Role Management
Australia’s think tank is being cautious with Green’s bowling workload. Expect him to play purely as a batter in Perth to manage fitness ahead of the Ashes.
🔸 4. Opportunity for Young Bowlers
Pacer Xavier Bartlett has impressed in limited overs for Queensland and might be given a full ODI debut against India. His raw pace and bounce could trouble India’s top order.
🇮🇳 India’s Advantage Grows Ahead of Series
For India, this development is a psychological boost. Facing Australia without Zampa and Inglis means less spin threat and reduced wicketkeeping stability.
India’s top order—Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill—will likely target Australia’s spin replacements aggressively, especially in middle overs where Zampa has historically controlled the flow.
Cricketory Comment 💬
India’s ODI form has been steady, and the absence of two experienced Australian players strengthens their grip on the series opener. Expect India to go in with an unchanged XI from their previous series.
🧩 Australia’s Selection Philosophy: Managing Workload Smartly
Australia’s selectors have been carefully rotating players across formats to avoid burnout. With the Ashes and T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, player management has become a top priority.
The inclusion of domestic stars like Philippe and Kuhnemann reflects a growing trend — giving emerging players exposure while managing seniors’ fitness and family commitments.
🏟️ The Perth Pitch Factor
The Optus Stadium in Perth is known for its pace and bounce. This could work in Australia’s favor despite their depleted spin attack. Bowlers like Starc, Hazlewood, and Bartlett will enjoy the extra carry.
For India, playing conditions could be challenging early on, especially under lights when the ball tends to zip through. However, once set, batters like Kohli and Rahul have shown they can dominate even in bouncy conditions.
📉 Statistical Snapshot: Zampa’s Absence Impact
| Category | With Zampa (Last 10 ODIs) | Without Zampa (Last 10 ODIs) |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Economy Rate | 5.3 | 6.4 |
| Avg Middle-Overs Wickets | 2.8 | 1.1 |
| Opponent Avg Score | 262 | 295 |
Cricketory Stat Corner 📊
These stats underline how vital Zampa’s control has been in the middle overs. His absence often leads to increased run flow and fewer breakthroughs.
🕹️ Possible Game Plan for Perth ODI
Australia may adopt a “pace-dominated approach” for the first ODI. Expect an early burst from Starc and Hazlewood, followed by support spells from Green and Ellis. Kuhnemann might be used sparingly unless the surface shows turn.
India, on the other hand, will rely on Rohit and Gill to negotiate the early swing, before allowing Kohli and KL Rahul to anchor the chase or build the innings.
📣 Expert Views from Cricketory Panel
Cricketory Expert 1 – Tactical Insight:
“Australia’s squad depth will be tested. But sometimes, such situations bring out unexpected heroes. Philippe’s comeback could surprise everyone.”
Cricketory Expert 2 – Pitch Analysis:
“Perth conditions favor Australia’s fast bowlers, but without Zampa, India’s middle order will feel more confident facing spin.”
Cricketory Expert 3 – Psychological Edge:
“India will look to dominate early. Australia’s morale may dip due to last-minute changes, but their fighting spirit shouldn’t be underestimated.”
🧭 What This Means for the Series
This early disruption puts India slightly ahead before the first ODI, but Australia’s resilience and home conditions ensure they remain formidable opponents.
Zampa’s return for the second game in Adelaide could restore balance, but the first ODI might set the tone for the rest of the series.
Cricketory Forecast 🌤️
Expect a high-scoring contest with both teams relying heavily on their top orders. Australia’s pace vs India’s experience will define the outcome.
🏁 Cricketory Insights Summary
✅ Zampa misses first ODI due to paternity, expected to rejoin for 2nd.
✅ Inglis sidelined with calf injury; Philippe to keep wickets.
✅ Kuhnemann recalled after three years to strengthen spin attack.
✅ Workload management and domestic performances influencing selection.
✅ Perth pitch to favor pacers, but India’s batting depth gives them an edge.
🙋♂️ FAQs: Australia vs India ODI 2025 (Perth Match)
🏏 1. Why is Adam Zampa not playing the first ODI?
A: Adam Zampa is missing the first ODI due to paternity reasons as his wife is expecting their second child.
🧤 2. Who is replacing Josh Inglis as wicketkeeper?
A: Josh Philippe has been called up as replacement and will keep wickets for the first ODI in Perth.
🌀 3. Who replaces Zampa in the squad?
A: Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been included as Zampa’s replacement for the first ODI.
⚡ 4. When will Zampa return to the squad?
A: Zampa is expected to return for the second ODI in Adelaide and continue for the Sydney game and T20I series.
🇮🇳 5. How does this affect India’s chances?
A: India gain a slight edge, especially in the middle overs, as Zampa’s absence removes Australia’s key spin threat.