Brisbane, 14 October (H.S.): Australian batter Phoebe Litchfield has been ruled out of the third and final Women’s One-Day International (ODI) against Bangladesh due to a strain in her hip muscles. Nicola Carey has been brought into the playing XI as her replacement. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney, who is playing her 100th ODI, will move up the batting order to open the innings.

At Allan Border Field on Wednesday, Australia’s stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath won the toss and elected to bowl first. At the time of filing this report, Bangladesh had lost three wickets for just 18 runs in nine overs.

Litchfield sustained a minor strain in her hip muscles while scoring 71 runs in the second ODI played on Sunday. Although the injury is not considered serious, doubts remain over her availability for the three-match T20 International series against New Zealand, which begins on Sunday.

### Mooney Takes on New Role in Her 100th ODI

With Litchfield unavailable, Beth Mooney will open the innings for Australia. The match is a special occasion for Mooney, as she is making her 100th appearance in ODI cricket. Before the toss, the Australian team marked the milestone to make the occasion memorable. The team’s batting coach, Dan Marsh, praised Mooney for her contributions to the group.

Australia had already been dealing with injury concerns ahead of the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh. Sophie Molineux is unavailable due to a hip injury, while Lucy Hamilton has been ruled out with a hamstring strain. As a result, Australia had only 12 players available for selection. Carey has received her first opportunity to play in the series.

Grace Harris has also arrived in Brisbane to provide the team with an additional option. However, after missing out on selection for Australia’s T20 International squad, she will join the Brisbane Heat for their T20 Spring Challenge campaign on Thursday.

### Bangladesh Make Three Changes

Bangladesh have also made three changes to their playing XI for the third ODI. Murshida Khatun, Sultana Khatun and debutant Disha Biswas have been included in the side in place of Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter and Fargana Hoque Pinky.

Australia have already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series after winning the first two matches. They won the opening ODI by seven wickets and the second by nine wickets. The team will now aim to complete a clean sweep by winning the final match against Bangladesh.

### Playing XIs

Australia: Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney (wicketkeeper), Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath (captain), Georgia Wareham, Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Alana King and Megan Schutt.

Bangladesh: Murshida Khatun, Sharmin Sultana, Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana (captain and wicketkeeper), Shobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Disha Biswas, Habiba Islam Pinky and Sultana Khatun.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar