Australia Faces Injury Setbacks Ahead of Final ODI Against South Africa

Injury Concerns for Australia Ahead of Final ODI

Potchefstroom [South Africa], September 29: Australia is grappling with significant injury issues just before their third and final ODI against South Africa. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis has been sidelined 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 after bowling four overs in the second ODI held in Johannesburg. He was unable to complete his spell as South Africa amassed 365 runs, clinching the series 2-0, as reported by a sports news outlet.

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 the second ODI 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, while 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, with Xavier Bartlett likely to keep his spot in the lineup.

On the other hand, Davies sustained his hamstring injury while fielding as a substitute during the second ODI in Johannesburg. 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 either Ellis or Davies for the final ODI.

Additionally, there is still uncertainty regarding Josh Inglis's participation in the Test series against South Africa, which begins on October 9, following a finger injury he sustained during the opening ODI in Durban.

Changes have also been made to the Australia A squad currently in India. Brendan Doggett, Fergus O'Neill, and Campbell Kellaway will return home to prepare for the Sheffield Shield season.

Sam Harper, Jhye Richardson, and Liam Hatcher are set to play 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, replacing Jack Edwards and Aaron Hardie. Edwards is currently in South Africa as a cover for Cameron Green after participating in the first two ODIs, while Hardie has been ruled out of the one-day series due to a minor knee injury.