Australia call up Jack Edwards for South Africa ODIs after Billy Stanlake's side strain

Fast-bowling all-rounder Jack Edwards is in line to make his one-day international debut after being added to Australia's squad for the three-match ODI series against South Africa.

Late call-up after Stanlake injury

Edwards was a late addition to the touring party after fellow quick Billy Stanlake was ruled out of the series. Stanlake suffered a side strain during the second ODI against Zimbabwe, pulling up midway through his fifth over, and will undergo scans after returning to Australia.

Edwards is currently travelling from Puducherry in India — where he had been preparing for Australia A's four-day match against India A — to Durban, where he will link up with the squad ahead of Thursday's opening ODI.

Johnson released despite Zimbabwe impact

While Edwards comes into the squad, left-arm quick Spencer Johnson has been released despite featuring in two of the three ODIs against Zimbabwe. Johnson is not injured but has been deemed surplus to requirements for the South Africa series and will instead join the Australia A group for their three 50-over fixtures in Puducherry next month.

Johnson had only just returned to ODI cricket after an 18-month gap, and played a key role in Australia's thrilling win over Zimbabwe on Sunday, taking two wickets and contributing to a 27-run last-wicket stand.

Reinforcements arriving in Durban

Australia will be further strengthened in South Africa by the arrival of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who join the squad in Durban, with Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood and Xavier Bartlett providing the other pace options.

The three ODIs will be played on September 24, 27 and 30 in Durban, Johannesburg and Potchefstroom respectively.