Australia‘s preparations for the ODI series against South Africa have taken a big hit, with three key players — Mitchell Owen, Matt Short, and Lance Morris — have been ruled out. The triple blow forces selectors to reshuffle their squad just days before the 50-over matches begin.
Concussion ends Mitch Owen’s debut hopes
Owen’s dream of making his ODI debut will have to wait after the young Tasmanian was ruled out of the remainder of Australia’s white-ball series against South Africa. The 22-year-old suffered a concussion during the second T20I in Darwin when a Kagiso Rabada bouncer glanced off his bat and struck the grille of his helmet.
Although Owen initially passed the on-field checks and continued batting, he later developed delayed concussion symptoms. Under Cricket Australia’s protocols, he must serve a minimum 12-day recovery period, ruling him out of the final T20I in Cairns and the three ODIs to follow.
Injuries sideline Matt Short and Lance Morris
The Australians have also lost Short and Morris for the ODI leg. Short, who was set to feature in both formats, is still recovering from a side strain sustained during training in the West Indies. Morris, included solely in the ODI squad, remains unavailable due to a fitness setback and has not played for the national team since November last year. Both players will now turn their focus towards rehabilitation ahead of the upcoming domestic season.
Replacements confirmed for ODI squad
Selectors have called up left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, all-rounder Aaron Hardie, and young batting talent Cooper Connolly as replacements. Kuhnemann and Hardie were already part of the T20I group, while Connolly joins fresh from his appearance in the Champions Trophy semi-final against India.
Kuhnemann’s last ODI outing came during the 2022 tour of Sri Lanka, while Hardie is yet to debut in the format. The ODI squad will also be boosted by the returns of Queensland duo Xavier Bartlett and Marnus Labuschagne.
Australia’s ODI squad vs South Africa: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Adam Zampa
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