AUS vs SA ODI 2025: Three Key Australia Players Injured, Updated Squad Announced – Full Schedule & Details
AUS vs SA: Major Blow for Australia as Three Key Players Ruled Out; ODI Squad Updated with New Faces
Keywords: AUS vs SA ODI Series 2025, Australia vs South Africa, Australia Cricket Team, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Kuhnemann, Aaron Hardie, ODI Squad, Injury Update, Cricket News
Australia’s Troubles Grow Ahead of the ODI Series Against South Africa
The highly anticipated three-match ODI series between Australia and South Africa is set to begin on 19 August 2025, but the Australian camp has been hit with a major setback. Three key players — Matt Short, Mitch Owen, and Lance Morris — have been ruled out due to injuries.
In their absence, the Australian selectors have brought in two fresh faces to strengthen the squad. The team will be led by all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who recently captained the side in the T20I series.
New Additions to the Squad
The Cricket Australia selection panel has called up spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and fast-bowling all-rounder Aaron Hardie for the ODI series. Both players are regulars for Queensland in domestic cricket and have earned their spots based on consistent performances.
List of Injured Players and Their Setbacks
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Matt Short – Side Strain
Short sustained the injury during training ahead of the West Indies limited-overs series. He is still recovering and has not regained full match fitness. -
Mitch Owen – Concussion
Owen was struck on the helmet during the second T20I against South Africa. Due to Cricket Australia’s 12-day concussion protocol, he will miss the remainder of the tour, including the ODI series. -
Lance Morris – Back Injury
Morris is suffering from back soreness and inflammation. He has been sent to Perth for further medical assessment.
T20I Series Update
Before the ODI clashes, the two sides have been competing in a three-match T20I series, which is currently level at 1-1. The deciding and final T20I will be played on Saturday, after which both teams will switch focus to the 50-over format.
Australia’s Updated ODI Squad
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Mitchell Marsh (Captain)
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Xavier Bartlett
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Alex Carey (Wicketkeeper)
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Ben Dwarshuis
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Nathan Ellis
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Cameron Green
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Aaron Hardie
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Josh Hazlewood
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Travis Head
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Josh Inglis
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Matthew Kuhnemann
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Marnus Labuschagne
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Adam Zampa
ODI Series Schedule
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19 August 2025: 1st ODI – Cairns
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22 August 2025: 2nd ODI – Mackay
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24 August 2025: 3rd ODI – Mackay
Why This Series Matters for Australia
Although this series does not fall under the ICC ODI Super League, it remains an important preparation phase for Australia ahead of major global tournaments. The absence of senior players offers opportunities for newcomers to prove their mettle.
Mitchell Marsh, still in the early stages of his captaincy journey, will look to lead by example and maintain team morale despite the injury setbacks.
Challenges for the Kangaroos
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Injury Concerns: Losing three senior players will disrupt team balance and strategy.
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South Africa’s Strong Form: The Proteas recently secured a dominant T20I win, which boosts their confidence.
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Pressure on Newcomers: Kuhnemann and Hardie will need to adapt quickly and deliver impactful performances under pressure.
Why South Africa Holds the Edge
Playing in familiar home conditions, South Africa has the advantage. Their young talents are in red-hot form — a 19-year-old batter recently produced a match-winning knock in the second T20I, exposing weaknesses in the Australian bowling attack.
Conclusion
The Australia vs South Africa ODI Series 2025 promises to be a thrilling contest, but Australia’s injury crisis makes their challenge even steeper. Whether the new inclusions can rise to the occasion and whether skipper Mitchell Marsh can inspire his side to victory will be key talking points in the days ahead.