Ellis and Davies ruled out of deciding South Africa ODI as Australia's injury crisis worsens

Australia's tour injury crisis deepens ahead of deciding ODI

Australia's injury-hit tour of South Africa has taken another turn for the worse, with seam bowler Nathan Ellis and Joel Davies both withdrawn from the third and final ODI against South Africa, to be played on Wednesday (September 30), due to injuries. Australia have named no replacements for the decisive fixture.

Ellis, who picked up 3/57 in the opening ODI in Durban, suffered a left side strain after bowling just four overs in the second ODI in Johannesburg and did not return to complete his quota. He will now return home for further assessment of the injury and rehabilitation, with the aim of regaining full fitness ahead of the home ODI series against England in November.

Davies joins the casualty list

Davies, meanwhile, is set to return home with a hamstring strain picked up while fielding as a substitute in the second ODI. He had yet to feature in a game on the tour, making the injury a particularly frustrating end to a trip on which he has been limited to a support role.

Stanlake already ruled out

Australia had already lost Billy Stanlake to a side strain during the South Africa tour in their preceding assignment. Stanlake sustained the tour-ending injury in the second ODI in Zimbabwe, leaving the touring party increasingly threadbare in the seam-bowling department.

Inglis doubt clouds Test build-up

Uncertainty also looms over Josh Inglis's availability for the Test series, which begins on October 9, after he sustained a broken finger in the ODI series opener in Durban. With England waiting at home in November and a Test tour of South Africa starting next month, the Australian selectors face significant decisions as they manage a growing list of sidelined players.