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Australia's ODI squad faces major reshuffle with three key players injured before the South Africa series. Matt Short and Lance Morris are out with training injuries while Mitch Owen enters concussion protocols. The selectors have brought in spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and pacer Aaron Hardie as replacements. The series kicks off in Cairns on August 19 with two follow-up matches in Mackay.

Key Points: Australia ODI Squad Changes as Short Morris Owen Injured vs SA

  • Matt Short sidelined with lingering side injury from West Indies tour
  • Lance Morris ruled out with back soreness requiring further tests
  • Mitch Owen concussed after helmet strike from Rabada in T20
  • Spinner Kuhnemann and pacer Hardie called up as replacements
2 min read

Injuries force Aussies to make changes in ODI squad against SA

Australia forced to replace injured trio Matt Short, Lance Morris, and Mitch Owen for ODI series against South Africa starting August 19.

"Owen presented delayed symptoms of concussion after being struck by Rabada's delivery - Cricket Australia"

New Delhi, Aug 14

Australia have been dealt a major injury blow as their three key players will miss three-match ODI series against South Africa, that commences in Cairns on August 19.

Matt Short and Lance Morris both ruled out of the white-ball series with injuries, while Mitch Owen's potential ODI debut will have to wait with the rising star ruled out of the remainer of the white-ball series against South Africa with concussion.

Short hasn't recovered from the side injury he picked up at training during the recent white-ball series against the West Indies in the Caribbean, while Morris has reported back soreness and been sent back to Perth for further examination.

Owen was struck during the second T20 in Darwin after top-edging a Kagiso Rabada delivery into his helmet's grille from the second ball he faced. He passed the on-field assessment but after he was dismissed he presented delayed symptoms of concussion. As per Cricket Australia's concussion protocols, Owen will now have to sit out for a minimum of 12 days.

After the injury setbacks, Australia drafted in spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and pacer Aaron Hardie as as replacements. Both Kuhnemann and Hardie are already in Queensland as part of the squad that is contesting the T20I portion of the white-ball series, with the series heading to a deciding third match on Saturday.

Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, who missed the second T20 with "flu-like symptoms", will remain with the squad.

The opening match of the ODI series will be held in Cairns, before the series switches to Mackay for the final two contests on August 22 and 24.

Australia ODI squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Adam Zampa

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Why is Cricket Australia scheduling back-to-back series like this? Players need proper rest between matches. This is how injuries happen! Our BCCI at least gives decent gaps between series.
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Aryan P
Good opportunity for Hardie to prove himself! As an Indian fan, I'm always interested in seeing new Aussie talents - we might face them in the World Cup next year 😉
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Sarah B
The concussion protocols seem very strict but absolutely necessary. Remember what happened to Phil Hughes... player safety should always come first. Hope Owen takes proper time to recover.
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Nikhil C
Australia's injury woes continue! This might level the playing field against SA. As an Indian, I won't complain if both teams weaken before the World Cup 😂 Jokes aside, wishing speedy recovery to all players.
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Kavya N
Interesting to see Matthew Kuhnemann getting another chance. His left-arm spin could be useful in Indian conditions during the World Cup. Smart move by selectors to test him now!

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