Australia have been dealt a blow ahead of the opening ODI against India, with Josh Inglis ruled out due to a calf strain, and Adam Zampa unavailable for family reasons.

To plug the gaps, Josh Philippe has been drafted in as the wicketkeeper, while Matt Kuhnemann is included to bolster the spin department in Zampa’s absence. 

Some key background:

Inglis is still recovering and is hopeful of returning later in the series, possibly by the third ODI in Sydney.

Alex Carey, another wicketkeeper, is also unavailable for the first match as he plays a Sheffield Shield fixture as part of his Ashes prep. He is expected to rejoin for the second ODI.

Zampa’s absence is temporary, and he is expected to join the squad from Adelaide.

These changes might force Australia to adjust their balance, especially in the spin and wicketkeeping slots. India will seek to exploit these openings in the series opener in Perth.