AUS W vs IND W 2026: Ellyse Perry, Kim Garth ruled out of ODIs with injuries

AUS W vs IND W 2026: Ellyse Perry, Kim Garth ruled out of ODIs with injuries. (Photo Source: Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

Australia Women have been dealt a major setback ahead of the ODI leg of their 2026 home series against India, with Ellyse Perry and Kim Garth ruled out due to quad injuries. The development was confirmed just before the first ODI.

The injuries were sustained during the third T20I, which India won by 17 runs to clinch the series 2-1. According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), both players picked up quad strains in that match and have been ruled out of the entire three-match ODI series. However, Australia have not completely shut the door on their participation in the one-off Test in Perth starting March 6, with their rehabilitation set to be closely monitored.

Captain Alyssa Healy confirmed the news at the toss of the first ODI, stating, “No Perry, no Garth. Got some injuries picked up in the third T20. That’s probably the two notable changes.” Healy, who is playing her final ODI series before retiring after the Test, acknowledged the challenge but remained confident in her team’s ability to respond strongly.

Perry’s absence leaves a massive void in Australia’s batting and all-round balance. The veteran all-rounder had modest returns in the T20Is, scoring 20 in the opener, seven in Canberra and falling cheaply in Adelaide, but her experience and versatility remain invaluable in the 50-over format. Garth, meanwhile, impressed with the ball in the T20Is, claiming three wickets across the series, including two in Australia’s only win in Canberra. Her ability to strike early makes her absence equally significant.

To cover for the injured duo, Australia have drafted in experienced seamer Megan Schutt and uncapped 19-year-old left-arm quick Lucy Hamilton. Schutt was named in the XI for the first ODI at Allan Border Field in Brisbane, bringing experience and control to the attack. Hamilton, though yet to debut internationally, has four seasons of WBBL experience with Brisbane Heat and recently featured in the Women’s Premier League.

The reshuffle also saw Georgia Voll replace Perry at No.3 after her impressive 88 in Australia’s lone T20I victory. Meanwhile, leg-spinner Alana King and all-rounder Tahlia McGrath returned to the ODI setup after missing the T20Is. Healy resumed duties at the top of the order in her farewell series, though Beth Mooney has taken over wicketkeeping responsibilities.

India, meanwhile, opted to bat first in the opening ODI, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressing confidence in her side’s approach. Pratika Rawal returned after recovering from injury, further strengthening India’s batting lineup.

With Australia needing at least two wins to clinch the ODI series and give Healy a fitting farewell, the absence of Perry and Garth adds a layer of complexity to their campaign. As the series progresses to Hobart later this week, all eyes will remain on the rehabilitation updates of the injured duo. For now, Australia must regroup quickly and find the depth required to counter a confident Indian side riding high on T20I success.

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