Australia have suffered a double injury blow ahead of the final ODI of their series against South Africa. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of the match with a side strain, while left-arm spinner Joel Davies has ended his tour due to a hamstring injury.

Ellis felt pain on his left side after bowling four overs in the second ODI in Johannesburg. He did not return to the attack after that. His absence affected Australia’s bowling effort as South Africa posted 365 and secured the three-match series 2-0.

Ellis had been one of Australia’s leading bowlers during their tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa. He will now return home for further assessment and rehabilitation. Australia are hopeful that he will recover in time for the home ODI series against England, which begins on November 13.

Ellis is the second Australian fast bowler to suffer a side strain during the tour. Billy Stanlake previously sustained a similar injury during the second ODI against Zimbabwe.

With Ellis unavailable, Australia have four fit fast bowlers available for the final ODI against South Africa. Pat Cummins, who missed the first two matches, could return to the playing XI. Mitchell Starc, who was rested for the second ODI, may also come back. Josh Hazlewood, who played in the first two matches, could be rested, which may allow Xavier Bartlett to retain his place.

Meanwhile, Joel Davies, who travelled to South Africa as a replacement, is returning home without playing a match. He injured his hamstring while taking the field as a substitute during the second ODI. After returning home, the spinner will undergo rehabilitation before preparing to resume domestic cricket for New South Wales.

No new player has yet been added to Australia’s ODI squad in South Africa. A decision has also not been made on whether Josh Inglis will return home ahead of the Test series beginning on October 9. Inglis suffered a finger injury during the first ODI in Durban.

Source: ESPNcricinfo