Perry, Garth Ruled Out of India ODIs, Eye Fitness for Perth Test

Ellyse Perry and Kim Garth are racing against time to prove their fitness for the one-off Test in Perth starting March 6 after being ruled out of Australia’s three-match ODI series against India women's national cricket team.

The pair sustained quad strains during Saturday’s T20I series decider at the Adelaide Oval, creating late disruption to Australia’s plans ahead of the ODI opener in Brisbane.

In a statement, Cricket Australia confirmed that both players would miss the 50-over series, with their availability for the Perth Test to be reassessed at the conclusion of the ODIs, depending on their rehabilitation progress.

Australia were forced into changes, with experienced seamer Megan Schutt drafted into the XI despite not being part of the original squad. Schutt made an immediate impact, trapping India opener Pratika Rawal lbw with the second ball of the match.

Nineteen-year-old left-arm quick Lucy Hamilton was also added to the ODI squad. Though uncapped at international level, Hamilton has featured for Brisbane Heat in the WBBL and recently played two matches for Delhi Capitals Women in the Women’s Premier League.

With Perry sidelined, Georgia Voll slotted in at No. 3 after impressing with 88 runs in Australia’s lone victory of the T20I series. Legspinner Alana King and allrounder Tahlia McGrath were also included, having missed selection during the T20I leg.

Captain Alyssa Healy returned to the top of the order as she began her farewell tour, set to conclude with the Perth Test at the WACA. Healy will not keep wicket during the ODI series, with Beth Mooney taking over as full-time wicketkeeper.

Meanwhile, Sophie Molineux, who endured a challenging start to her captaincy in the T20I series defeat, has been appointed vice-captain for the ODI campaign.

With key players sidelined, Australia’s depth will be tested in the ODI series as they look to regain momentum ahead of the crucial red-ball fixture in Perth.