Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of the final ODI against South Africa with a side strain, while Joel Davies will return home after suffering a hamstring injury.
Australia have suffered another injury setback on their South Africa tour, with Nathan Ellis ruled out of the third and final ODI and left-arm spinner Joel Davies also leaving the squad.
Ellis sustained a left-side strain during the second ODI in Johannesburg after bowling just four overs. He was unable to complete his spell as South Africa went on to post 365 and secure a 2-0 series lead.
Ellis Suffers Another Injury Blow
Ellis had been one of Australia’s most effective bowlers during the tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa, making his absence a significant setback ahead of the final ODI in Potchefstroom.
The fast bowler will return to Australia for further assessment and rehabilitation, with the aim of being fit for Australia’s home ODI series against England, beginning on November 13.
Ellis is the second Australian quick to suffer a side strain on the tour, following Billy Stanlake’s injury during the second ODI in Zimbabwe.
Australia will now have only four fit specialist fast bowlers available for the final ODI. Pat Cummins is expected to return after missing the opening two matches, while Mitchell Starc could also come back after being rested in Johannesburg.
Josh Hazlewood may be rested after playing the first two ODIs, potentially leaving Xavier Bartlett to retain his place.
Davies Returns Home
Davies will also leave the South Africa tour after suffering a hamstring strain while fielding as a substitute during the second ODI.
The left-arm spinner did not feature in any of Australia’s matches on the tour, having travelled as the squad’s second specialist spinner.
He will return to Australia to begin his rehabilitation before resuming domestic cricket with New South Wales.
No replacements have been named for either player ahead of Wednesday’s final ODI.
Australia are also yet to decide whether wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis will be available for the three-match Test series against South Africa, which begins on October 9. Inglis fractured his finger during the opening ODI in Durban.
Changes to Australia A Squad
Australia’s selectors have also made changes to the Australia A squad currently in India.
Brendan Doggett, Fergus O’Neill and Campbell Kellaway will return home to take part in the opening stages of the Sheffield Shield season.
Sam Harper, Jhye Richardson and Liam Hatcher are set to feature in the second unofficial Test against India A in Puducherry, beginning Tuesday.
For the Australia A one-day squad, Riley Meredith and Will Sutherland have been added for the three-match series starting next Tuesday.
They replace Jack Edwards and Aaron Hardie. Edwards is currently in South Africa after joining Australia’s ODI squad as cover for Cameron Green and has featured in the first two matches of the series.
Hardie, meanwhile, has been ruled out of the Australia A series with a minor knee issue.
