Australia has added New South Wales all-rounder Jack Edwards to the ODI squad for the three-match series against South Africa. Edwards replaces fast bowler Billy Stanlake, who was ruled out with a side strain, while Spencer Johnson has been released to manage his workload.
Stanlake sustained the injury during his fifth over in the second ODI against Zimbabwe. Johnson, who recently returned to the ODI side for the first time in 18 months, will instead join the Australia A squad in India for 50-over matches next month. Edwards is currently traveling from India to Durban to join the senior team ahead of the first ODI at Kingsmead on September 24.
The squad reshuffle follows Australia’s 3-0 series sweep of Zimbabwe, completed with a one-wicket win on September 20. Australia reached the total with one ball remaining in the final match. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis noted the value of the close finish with the 2027 World Cup approximately a year away.
“We’re going to get in those situations again… For those guys to have done that today … with the World Cup 12 months away, it’ll leave a good feeling with them,” Inglis said.
Cameron Green remains with the squad, but his availability is a point of caution after he missed the entire three-match series against Zimbabwe due to a sore right shoulder. While scans showed no structural damage and Green has resumed training, analysis suggests the selection of Edwards provides middle-order insurance should Green be unable to bowl. The pace attack will be reinforced by the return of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc for the South African leg.
Edwards recently stepped down as captain of New South Wales to focus on his individual performance. His inclusion comes as South Africa faces its own injury concerns; the Proteas will be without frontline seamers Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada for the upcoming ODI fixtures.
