Australia Faces Injury Setbacks Ahead of Final ODI Against South Africa

Injury Concerns for Australia Ahead of Final ODI

Australia is grappling with significant injury issues as they prepare for the third and final ODI against South Africa. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis has been ruled out due to a side strain, while left-arm spinner Joel Davies is heading home after suffering a hamstring injury.

Ellis, who has been a key performer for Australia during their tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa, sustained the injury to his left side while bowling four overs in the second ODI in Johannesburg. He was unable to complete his spell, allowing South Africa to score 365 runs and clinch the series 2-0, as reported by Cricinfo.

The pacer will return to Australia for further evaluation and rehabilitation, with hopes of being fit for the upcoming home ODI series against England, which starts on November 13. This marks the second instance of an Australian fast bowler suffering a side strain during the tour, following Billy Stanlake's injury in Zimbabwe.

For the final ODI in Potchefstroom on Wednesday, Australia will have only four fit specialist fast bowlers available. Pat Cummins is anticipated to return after missing the first two matches, and Mitchell Starc is also expected to play after being rested for the second ODI. Josh Hazlewood may be rested after participating in both previous matches, while Xavier Bartlett is likely to keep his spot.

Davies incurred a hamstring strain while fielding as a substitute in the second ODI. He did not play in any matches during the tour, having traveled as Australia's second specialist spinner, and will now return home for rehabilitation before rejoining domestic cricket with New South Wales.

Australia has not announced any replacements for Ellis or Davies for the final ODI. Additionally, there is no update on whether Josh Inglis will return for the Test series against South Africa, which begins on October 9, after he fractured his finger during the first ODI in Durban.

Updates on Australia A Squad

In related news, the Australia A squad currently touring India has also seen changes. Brendan Doggett, Fergus O'Neill, and Campbell Kellaway will return home to join their respective states for the start of the Sheffield Shield season.

Sam Harper, Jhye Richardson, and Liam Hatcher are set to participate in the second unofficial Test against India A in Puducherry, starting Tuesday.

Riley Meredith and Will Sutherland have been added to the Australia A one-day squad for three matches commencing next Tuesday. They replace Jack Edwards and Aaron Hardie, with Edwards currently in South Africa as a cover for Cameron Green after playing in the first two ODIs. Hardie has been sidelined from the one-day series due to a minor knee injury.