Jack Edwards is set for his ODI debut after being added to Australia’s touring squad for the three-match series against South Africa, stepping in as a replacement for Billy Stanlake, who has been ruled out with a side strain sustained during the second ODI against Zimbabwe.
Stanlake pulled up midway through his fifth over in that match and will undergo scans after returning to Australia. The injury leaves a gap in the pace attack that Jack Edwards is being called upon to fill. He is currently making his way from Puducherry, where he was preparing for Australia A’s four-day fixture against India A, and is expected to arrive in Durban ahead of Thursday’s opening ODI.
Spencer Johnson has also been released from the squad, though his departure carries no injury concern. The left-arm quick featured in two of the three ODIs against Zimbabwe but has been deemed surplus to requirements for the South Africa leg of the tour. He will link up with the Australia A squad for their three 50-over games in Puducherry next month.
Johnson’s release comes despite a meaningful contribution to Australia’s win over Zimbabwe on Sunday, where he took two wickets and played a key part in a 27-run last-wicket stand that proved decisive. It is a tough outcome for a player who had returned to ODI cricket after an 18-month absence and delivered when the moment demanded it.
Jack Edwards Eyes ODI Debut as Australia Bolster Pace Options for South Africa
Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are set to join the squad in Durban, giving Australia a formidable top of the attack. Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood and Xavier Bartlett provide further pace depth, and Jack Edwards now slots into that mix with a chance to make his mark at the highest level. For a player who has been building his credentials through domestic cricket and Australia A assignments, the call-up represents the kind of opportunity that does not come around twice.
The three ODIs are scheduled for September 24 in Durban, September 27 in Johannesburg and September 30 in Potchefstroom.
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