Australia has suffered a significant blow ahead of the third and final ODI against South Africa, scheduled for Wednesday.
Fast bowler Nathan Ellis and left-arm spinner Joel Davis will miss the match due to injuries.
Nathan Ellis is sidelined with a side strain, while Joel Davis sustained a hamstring strain while fielding as a substitute during the second ODI. Ellis was injured after bowling just four overs in the second match, which left Australia at a disadvantage as South Africa scored 365 runs batting first.
Ellis is set to return to Australia for treatment and recovery, with hopes of being fit for the upcoming home ODI series against England starting on November 13. In his absence, captain Pat Cummins may return to the lineup for the third ODI. Mitchell Starc, who was rested for the second match, is also expected to be included in the playing eleven. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood, who played in both previous ODIs, may miss the final match.
Davis was brought on the tour as a second specialist spinner but did not get the opportunity to play in any matches. He will now undergo rehabilitation before returning to domestic cricket with New South Wales.
No replacements have been named for Ellis and Davis for the final ODI against South Africa. After losing the first two matches of the three-match series, Australia will be playing merely to salvage some pride in the third ODI.
Following the ODI series, Australia will face South Africa in a three-match Test series starting on October 9.