Australia has suffered a major blow on its tour of South Africa. Star all-rounder Mitchell Owen has been ruled out of the remaining T20 matches and the entire ODI series due to injury.
Sports News: The Australian cricket team has suffered a setback amidst the ongoing T20 series against South Africa. Star all-rounder Mitchell Owen, all-rounder Matt Short, and fast bowler Lance Morris have been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series. The absence of these players is a blow to Australia in both the batting and bowling departments.
Three Players Ruled Out of ODI Series
Mitchell Owen was struck on the helmet by a fast ball during the second T20I. He passed the immediate concussion test, but later felt discomfort. According to Cricket Australia's concussion guidelines, he will have to rest for at least 12 days. Due to this, he will not only miss the third and final T20I of the series on August 16, but will also not be able to participate in the three-match ODI series. This means that Owen will have to wait longer for his ODI international debut.
Matt Short, who was part of both the T20 and ODI squads, was injured during the West Indies tour and has not yet fully recovered. He had already been ruled out of the five-match T20 series against the West Indies. Now, after being ruled out of the ODI series, his focus will be on regaining fitness before the upcoming domestic season.
Fast bowler Lance Morris has experienced lower back pain, due to which he had to return to Perth from the South Africa tour. His return time will be determined only after further medical examination.
Hardie and Kuhnemann to Get ODI Opportunity
After Mitchell Owen, Matt Short and Lance Morris were ruled out, the Australian team management decided to include Aaron Hardie and Matthew Kuhnemann in the ODI team. Both players were already part of the T20I squad. Aaron Hardie was recently part of Australia's Champions Trophy team and will provide a bowling option along with batting in the middle order.
Matthew Kuhnemann has not played an ODI match in the last three years, but his performance in domestic cricket has been impressive. Team wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis, who missed the second T20I due to illness, will remain with the team for the third match and the ODI series.
