October 14, 2025: Australia’s preparation for the India–Australia ODI series suffered a setback as wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis and leg-spinner Adam Zampa were ruled out of the opening match due to illness and fatigue concerns. The development has forced the visiting side to rethink their combination ahead of the first ODI in Chennai on Thursday.
According to a statement from Cricket Australia (CA), Inglis has been diagnosed with a viral infection, while Zampa has been advised rest after complaining of exhaustion following the team’s tight schedule over the past few weeks. Both players are expected to rejoin the squad later in the series if they recover in time.
Team management confirmed that Alex Carey will take over wicketkeeping duties in the absence of Inglis, while Tanveer Sangha or Ashton Agar may be drafted in to fill the spin gap left by Zampa. Captain Pat Cummins, speaking at the pre-match conference, said, “It’s unfortunate to lose key players so close to the game, but we have solid backups. The team is confident, and we’ve got enough depth to handle the situation.”
The Australian team has been on a packed calendar since the Ashes series, followed by the T20 internationals against South Africa. Zampa, in particular, has been the team’s mainstay in the middle overs, with his accuracy and variations making him a crucial component of the bowling attack. His absence will be felt, especially against India’s spin-friendly conditions.
Meanwhile, Josh Inglis’ illness leaves the side short of a middle-order option. The 29-year-old had impressed in recent outings, striking at a high tempo and providing stability during the middle overs. Without him, Australia may opt for Marnus Labuschagne or Marcus Stoinis to take on more responsibility in the batting lineup.
India, on the other hand, enter the series high on confidence after their 3-0 clean sweep over Sri Lanka earlier this month. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returning to the squad after being rested for the last T20 leg, the hosts look well-balanced and ready to test their full-strength combination ahead of next year’s ICC Champions Trophy.
The Chennai pitch is expected to offer early assistance to pacers before slowing down later in the evening, bringing spinners into play — a factor that may have made Zampa’s absence even more significant. Australia will now likely depend on Agar and Glenn Maxwell to share spin duties.
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, while analyzing the situation on a sports channel, said, “Losing both Inglis and Zampa right before the first match is tough. Zampa, especially, has been Australia’s key weapon against India in the middle overs. His ability to control runs and pick crucial wickets has often turned games.”
For India, the key focus will be on maintaining rhythm and building bench strength. Shubman Gill, after a sensational run in recent matches, will be one to watch, while Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to spearhead the pace attack. The spin department, led by Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, remains one of India’s biggest strengths.
India head coach Rahul Dravid emphasized the importance of using this series to fine-tune the team combination. “Every game matters when you are building toward major tournaments. We’ll look to give opportunities but also play with intent,” Dravid said.
Australia’s recent ODI record against India has been competitive — the visitors won the last bilateral series 2-1 in 2023. However, the absence of key players in the first match may tilt the early momentum in favor of the hosts.
The three-match series will be followed by a five-match T20 leg, for which both teams have included young talents like Rinku Singh and Spencer Johnson, signaling a blend of experience and fresh energy in both camps.
Cricket fans are eagerly awaiting this clash between two world-class sides, known for their intensity and high-quality cricket. The first ODI begins at 1:30 PM IST, with the toss scheduled for 1:00 PM.
Summary
Australia face early hurdles in the India ODI series as Josh Inglis and Adam Zampa miss the first match due to illness and fatigue, forcing key lineup changes for Pat Cummins’ side.