Potchefstroom, 29 September (H.S.): Australia have suffered a double injury setback ahead of the third and final ODI against South Africa, with fast bowler Nathan Ellis ruled out with a side strain and left-arm spinner Joel Davies set to return home after sustaining a hamstring injury.

Ellis picked up the injury during the second ODI in Johannesburg. After bowling four overs, he felt a strain on his left side and was unable to complete his spell. South Africa went on to score 365 in the match and secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Ellis has been one of Australia’s leading bowlers on the tour. He will return to Australia for further assessment and rehabilitation, with the team hopeful that he will recover in time for the home ODI series against England, beginning on November 13.

Ellis is the second Australian fast bowler on the tour to suffer a side strain. Earlier, Billy Stanlake was forced out after sustaining an injury during the second ODI against Zimbabwe.

Australia now have only four fit specialist fast bowlers available for the third ODI. Pat Cummins could return after missing the opening two matches, while Mitchell Starc, who was rested for the second ODI, is also expected to be available. Josh Hazlewood, who played both matches, could be rested, while Xavier Bartlett is expected to retain his place in the squad.

Meanwhile, Joel Davies sustained a hamstring strain while serving as a substitute fielder during the second ODI. He was part of the touring squad as Australia’s second specialist spinner but did not feature in either match. Davies will now return home for rehabilitation before resuming domestic cricket with New South Wales.

Australia have not yet named replacements for Ellis and Davies for the third ODI.

Meanwhile, a decision is also pending on wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis’ availability for Australia’s Test series against South Africa, beginning on October 9. Inglis suffered a finger fracture during the first ODI in Durban.

Changes to Australia A squad

There have also been changes to the Australia A squad currently touring India. Brendan Doggett, Fergus O’Neill and Campbell Kellaway will return home for the start of the Sheffield Shield season. They will be replaced by Sam Harper, Jhye Richardson and Liam Hatcher for the second unofficial Test against India A, beginning in Puducherry on Tuesday.

Riley Meredith and Will Sutherland have also been added to the Australia A squad for the three-match ODI series beginning next Tuesday. They have replaced Jack Edwards and Aaron Hardie. Edwards is currently in South Africa as cover for Cameron Green, while Hardie has been ruled out of the ODI series with a minor knee injury.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar