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England have made two changes to their squad for the upcoming ODI tour of Australia, with James Coles and Eddie Jack called up to replace the injured Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the changes on Wednesday, dealing a fresh blow to the team just days before the opening match.
Bethell has been ruled out of the entire white-ball tour after suffering a setback in his recovery from a right knee injury. Meanwhile, fast bowler Tongue has also been withdrawn from the tour after sustaining a toe injury. Both players are expected to return to the United Kingdom for further assessment and treatment.
Bethell’s absence is a significant setback for England, as the young all-rounder was expected to strengthen the side with his batting and left-arm spin. He had been named in both the ODI and T20I squads for the Australia tour after making progress in his recovery from a knee injury sustained during the home ODI series against India in July.
However, a setback during a training session in Perth prompted medical scans, which confirmed that he would not be able to take part in the tour. With England also preparing for a busy winter schedule, the decision was taken for Bethell to return home and consult a specialist. His availability for the upcoming Test series against South Africa could also depend on the outcome of further medical assessments.
Tongue’s withdrawal further affects England’s pace-bowling plans. The Nottinghamshire fast bowler had been selected for the ODI leg of the tour but suffered an injury to his left big toe. He will return to England for further medical assessment.
England planned to manage the workloads of their fast bowlers carefully during the tour, particularly with a Test series against South Africa scheduled for December. Tongue’s injury means the team will have to adjust its bowling combinations ahead of the opening ODI.
England have turned to James Coles and Eddie Jack to fill the two vacancies in the ODI squad. Coles, a Sussex all-rounder, offers another option with both bat and ball, while Jack is a Hampshire fast bowler who has been earning attention through his performances in domestic cricket.
Both players were already included in England’s T20I squad for the Australia tour, meaning they will not be entirely unfamiliar with the team environment. Their inclusion in the ODI squad gives them an opportunity to make an impact against Australia in challenging conditions.
The call-ups also provide England with additional depth as captain Harry Brook prepares his side for a demanding series against one of the strongest teams in international cricket.
The three-match series will begin in Perth on November 13, followed by the second ODI in Adelaide on November 15. The final match will be played in Hobart on November 18.
With the opening game approaching, England will hope their replacements settle quickly into the squad. The series is also an important opportunity for both teams to strengthen their preparations for the next ODI World Cup, scheduled for 2027.
England will then move on to a five-match T20I series against Australia, beginning in Melbourne on November 21.