Cricketers Nathan Ellis and Joel Davies have bowed out of Australia’s ODI tour of South Africa due to injuries. Ellis, a standout performer for Australia recently, will be unavailable for the final match of the series after picking up a side strain during his four-over spell in the second ODI. This absence hit the Australian team hard as South Africa capitalised, posting a formidable 365 runs to clinch the series 2-0.
Ellis will head back to Australia to undergo further assessments and rehabilitation, aiming for a return in the upcoming home series against England starting on 13th November. His departure marks the second case of a side strain amongst Australian bowlers on this tour, with Billy Stanlake also previously sidelined.
Australia faces a dilemma with only four fit pacers for the last ODI in Potchefstroom. Captain Pat Cummins is expected to rejoin the squad, having missed the first two matches. Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc is anticipated to be back in action after sitting out the second game. Josh Hazlewood might be rested following his participation in the initial two ODIs, potentially giving Xavier Bartlett another chance to play.
Davies exits the tour without having played a single match, having suffered a hamstring strain while acting as a substitute fielder. His focus will now shift towards rehabilitation and a return to state cricket with New South Wales.
The selectors have not added new players to the ODI side nor have they taken a call on Josh Inglis’s potential return for the Test series starting on 9th October, following his finger injury in the first ODI in Durban.
In parallel changes, Australia A’s squad in India is undergoing modifications, with Brendan Doggett, Fergus O’Neill, and Campbell Kellaway leaving the tour to resume Shield cricket. They will be replaced by Sam Harper, Jhye Richardson, and Liam Hatcher for the second unofficial Test in Puducherry starting Tuesday.
Additionally, Riley Meredith and Will Sutherland join the Australia A one-day squad scheduled to face India in three matches starting next Tuesday. This move follows the withdrawal of Jack Edwards and Aaron Hardie, the latter ruled out with a minor knee issue. Edwards continues his stint in South Africa, filling in for Cameron Green and featuring in the initial two ODIs.
These changes highlight a testing period for the Australian teams, balancing player wellbeing with match commitments.
