Fast bowler Jack Edwards is in line to make his ODI debut after being added to Australia’s squad for the three-match series against South Africa. The all-rounder is currently travelling from Puducherry in India, where he was preparing for Australia A’s four-day game against India A, to Durban ahead of Thursday’s opening ODI.
Fast bowler Billy Stanlake has been ruled out of the series after suffering a side strain during the second ODI against Zimbabwe. Stanlake pulled up midway through his fifth over and will undergo scans after returning to Australia.
Spencer Johnson, meanwhile, has been released from the squad despite featuring in two of the three ODIs against Zimbabwe. The left-arm quick is not injured but has been deemed surplus to requirements for the South Africa series. He will join the Australia A squad for their three 50-over games in Puducherry next month.
Johnson 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.
Australia will have Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc join the squad in Durban, with Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood and Xavier Bartlett providing the other pace options.
The ODIs will be played on September 24, 27 and 30 in Durban, Johannesburg and Potchefstroom respectively.