Australia's dual injuries
Australia has been faced with the injuries of Nathan Ellis and Joel Davis before their third and final ODI against South Africa in Potchefstroom. Nathan Ellis, a fast bowler, has been ruled out of the game due to an injury to his side, while Joel Davis, a left-arm bowler, returns home due to a hamstring injury.
Details of the injuries
Nathan Ellis, who has performed very well on this tour to Zimbabwe and South Africa, suffered an injury to his left side during the second ODI in Johannesburg. After bowling four overs, he was unable to continue, and South Africa ultimately won by 365 runs, finishing the three-match series 2-0 in their favor.
Ellis returns to Australia for assessment and rehabilitation, and it is hoped he will be fit for the home ODI series against England starting on November 13. He is the second Australian fast bowler to withdraw from the tour due to injury, as Billy Stanlake was also injured during the second ODI in Zimbabwe.
Impact on team composition
Australia will only have four specialist fast bowlers available for the final ODI in Potchefstroom. Pat Cummins is expected to return to the team after missing the first two matches, and Mitchell Starc is likely to play after resting in the second ODI. Josh Hazlewood may rest after playing in both matches, and Xavier Bartlett is expected to remain in the squad.
Meanwhile, Joel Davis suffered a hamstring injury as a substitute during the second ODI and is now returning home for treatment and to return to domestic games with New South Wales. Australia has not announced any replacements for Ellis or Davis for this match.
No decision has yet been made regarding the return of Josh Inglis for the Test series against South Africa starting on October 9. This wicketkeeper-batter was injured due to a finger fracture during the first ODI in Durban. Sam Harper, Jhye Richardson, and Liam Hatcher are currently preparing to play in the second unofficial Test against India A in Puducherry.
