Australia's Tour in Turmoil: Two More Stars Out Injured

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-09-29

Australia's tour of South Africa just went from bad to worse. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis and left-arm spinner Joel Davies are both heading home with soft-tissue injuries, Cricket Australia confirmed. The news broke ahead of the final ODI in Potchefstroom on Wednesday, September 29, 2026. Ellis hurt his left side during his bowling spell in the second ODI in Johannesburg. Davies pulled his right hamstring while fielding as a substitute. Both players will fly back to Australia immediately for rehab. And just like that, the squad is down to 12 fit players. ### Nathan Ellis's Side Strain: A Major Blow Ellis felt pain after bowling just four overs at the Wanderers. He gave up 22 runs and didn't take a wicket before he had to walk off. He couldn't come back to finish his spell as South Africa piled on 365 runs. The 32-year-old had been in fantastic form. He took three wickets in the first ODI in Durban. Over a 12-day stretch in 2026, he claimed 22 wickets in five matches at an average of 17.22. Only two bowlers in the world have taken more ODI wickets this year. This injury couldn't have come at a worse time – he was surely on track for a spot in Australia's World Cup squad next year. Ellis is flying home for specialist assessment and a rehab program. He has more than six weeks to recover before Australia hosts England in a white-ball series starting November 13, 2026. ### Joel Davies Returns Home After Substitute Injury Joel Davies also picked up a right hamstring strain during the second ODI. He was just doing substitute fielding duties when it happened. The New South Wales spinner was the second specialist spinner behind Adam Zampa on this tour. Davies had carried drinks throughout the tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa without playing a single match. The hamstring strain ended his chance of making his ODI debut in the final match. He'll head home immediately to start his rehab before joining New South Wales for the domestic season. ### Growing Injury List Depletes Australian Squad The injuries are piling up for Australia on this tour. Fast bowler Billy Stanlake was ruled out of the second ODI against Zimbabwe with a side strain. Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis flew home after breaking his finger in the series-opener in Durban. And all-rounder Cameron Green is still dealing with a shoulder issue that stops him from bowling overarm. Cricket Australia selectors have decided not to call in any replacement players for the final match. That leaves the squad with just 12 fit players. Some of the Australian Test squad have arrived early in Potchefstroom for a two-day warm-up match starting October 3 at JB Marks Oval. Those players could act as substitute fielders or carry drinks during Wednesday's ODI. > "It's a tough situation, but it gives others a chance to step up," a team spokesperson said. Australia will be desperate to avoid a series whitewash against South Africa. With so many key players missing, it's going to be an uphill battle. But cricket is a funny game – you never know who might become a hero. For more cricket news and updates, keep an eye on our blog.