Australia has suffered two injury setbacks in rapid succession ahead of the third and final one-day international against South Africa in Potchefstroom, with fast bowler Nathan Ellis and left-arm spinner Joel Davies both ruled out.
Nathan Ellis suffered a left side strain during the second ODI in Johannesburg, managing only four overs before being forced to leave the pitch. He did not return to complete his tenure, as South Africa scored 365 and won the three-match series 2-0. According to ANI, Ellis will return to Australia for additional assessment and rehabilitation, with the hope of recovering in time for the home ODI series against England, which begins on November 13.
Davies, the squad’s second specialist spinner, did not play any matches during the tour. He suffered a hamstring strain when fielding as a replacement in the same Johannesburg match and will now return home to recover before returning to domestic cricket with New South Wales. Australia has not selected any replacements for Ellis or Davies ahead of Wednesday’s match in Potchefstroom.
How does Nathan Ellis ‘ injury relate to Australia’s bigger pace difficulties on tour?
Nathan Ellis side strain is not an exceptional occurrence in this travelling company. Billy Stanlake had already been ruled out with a similar issue during the second one-day international in Zimbabwe, making Nathan Ellis the second Australian fast bowler to suffer a side strain on the trip. The recurrence highlights the physical difficulties placed on the pace attack during back-to-back series in varying conditions.
Nathan Ellis had been Australia’s best bowler on the Zimbabwe and South Africa legs of the tour prior to his injury, making his absence a big loss for the final match. There is no precise recovery timeframe established beyond the goal of being fit for the England series in November, and no substitute has been chosen for the Potchefstroom match.
What is Australia’s squad situation for the last ODI, and have any other changes been made to the touring group?
With Ellis and Davies out, Australia will begin the Potchefstroom encounter with four fit specialist fast bowlers. Pat Cummins is anticipated to return after missing the first two ODIs, as is Mitchell Starc, who was rested for those games. No decision has been made on whether Inglis will be eligible for the Test series against South Africa, which is set to begin on October 9.
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Separately, the Australia A squad, which is now touring India, has seen movement. Brendan Doggett, Fergus O’Neill, and Campbell Kellaway are heading home to join their respective states ahead of the Sheffield Shield season. Sam Harper, Jhye Richardson, and Liam Hatcher are scheduled to play in the second unofficial Test against India A in Puducherry, which begins on Tuesday. Riley Meredith and Will Sutherland were added to the Australia. A one-day squad for three matches starting next Tuesday, replacing Jack Edwards and Aaron Hardie.
