Nathan Ellis and Joel Davies ruled out of Australia tour

Australia suffered two more soft-tissue injuries on their African tour ahead of the final ODI against South Africa. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis has been ruled out with a left side strain after bowling four overs during the second ODI in Johannesburg, while left-arm spinner Joel Davies will return home after sustaining a right hamstring injury while fielding as a substitute.

Ellis will return to Australia for further assessment and rehabilitation, with the hope of recovering in time for the home ODI series against England beginning on November 13. Davies will undergo rehabilitation before resuming domestic cricket with New South Wales. Ellis claimed 22 wickets in ODIs this year at an average of 17.22, second only to two bowlers globally.

Jack Edwards is being monitored for a hamstring concern but travelled with the squad to Potchefstroom. Australia will have only 12 fit players available if Edwards cannot play the dead-rubber ODI. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are expected to return unless selectors give Josh Hazlewood a third consecutive match.