AUS vs SA ODIs: Australia to be without three key players - Injuries force changes

Australia have been forced into reshuffling their squad ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, with three players ruled out due to injury.

Batter Matt Short (side strain), all-rounder Mitchell Owen (concussion) and pacer Lance Morris (back) will miss the series, which begins in Cairns on August 19.

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Short is yet to recover from an injury sustained during training in the recent West Indies white-ball tour, while Morris has been sent back to Perth for further assessment after reporting back soreness.

Owen suffered a blow to the helmet during the second T20I against South Africa and later developed delayed concussion symptoms. He will miss the final T20I and the entire ODI series under Cricket Australia’s 12-day concussion protocols.

Spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and fast bowler Aaron Hardie have been named as replacements. Both were already in Queensland as part of the T20I squad, which is currently locked at 1-1 in the series.

The ODI series will open in Cairns before moving to Mackay for matches 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.