Published: Sep 15, 2016, 12:30 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 15, 2016, 01:57 PM (IST)
Batsman Shaun Marsh and all-rounder James Faulkner have been ruled out of Australia‘s one-day series in South Africa later this month with injuries, Cricket Australia said on Thursday. Marsh has a fractured finger and Faulkner suffered a calf injury in training. The selection panel have called up Usman Khawaja for Marsh, but said Faulkner will not be replaced in the squad. “Shaun undertook a follow-up X-ray and was reviewed by specialists this week,” team physiotherapist David Beakley said. “Unfortunately, due to the fracture being in the joint of the finger we have decided to take a more conservative approach, therefore he will not be available for the South Africa series. James suffered a low-grade calf strain during a fitness session in Sydney today which we expect to take up to four weeks to recover,” Beakley said.
Captain Steve Smith, who was rested from the Sri Lanka tour after the second of five ODIs, returns to lead the side in South Africa. The tour comprises six ODIs with the first against Ireland on September 27 followed by five against South Africa beginning on September 30. Earlier, when the 15-man squad was announced, pacers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc were given rest. The new names in the squad included pacers Joe Mennie, Chris Tremain and Daniel Worrall. READ: Graeme Hick named Australia’s batting coach ahead of South Africa series
Also, Graeme Hick was appointed as Australia’s batting coach on Thursday. Hick, who played 65 Tests and 120 one-dayers for England, was appointed Cricket Australia’s high performance coach in 2013.
