Brisbane’s Gabba is buzzing as the Australia women’s team faces India in the opening ODI of a three-match series. But the hosts have suffered a major blow right before the toss. Star all-rounder Ellyse Perry and pace bowler Kim Garth have been ruled out of the entire series due to quad injuries.
Captain Alyssa Healy confirmed the news at the toss, revealing that both players picked up strains in the third T20I. Scans confirmed Garth’s injury on Monday, leading to her official exclusion Tuesday. Perry’s availability for the upcoming Test will depend on recovery. Stepping in are Megan Schutt and Lucy Hamilton, bolstering Australia’s pace attack with Schutt’s return.
India, buoyed by their T20I series win, won the toss and elected to bat first. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side aims to carry that momentum into ODIs, especially after their 2025 World Cup triumph. This is India’s first ODI since that victory, and a series win here could etch history against the seven-time World Cup champions.
Australia has long dominated ODIs, particularly against India, but the absence of Perry and Garth levels the playing field. The Gabba showdown sets the tone for the series. Can India capitalize on Australia’s woes and claim a rare bilateral series victory Down Under? The action is underway, with all eyes on the Indian top order.