Australia’s ODI tour of South Africa took another blow when all-rounder James Faulkner and batsman Shaun Marsh were ruled out with injuries.

The Aussies had already decided to rest Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood, but they earlier lost three experienced quick bowlers in  James Pattinson, Pat Cummins and Nathan Coulter-Nile, all of whom are battling injuries.

Usman Khawaja has been called into the squad in place of Marsh, while Faulkner will not be replaced, reducing the touring party from from 15  to 14.

Marsh suffered a fractured finger during the recent tour of Sri Lanka and while he was named in the ODI squad to visit South Africa, further X-rays have given concern. Faulkner suffered a calf strain at Australia’s training session on Thursday, and is expected to be sidelined for up to a month.

Ironically, Starc was rested to prepare him for the Test series against South Africa later this year, but he is in doubt for that now after tripping over equipment on the training ground and suffering a laceration to his left shin which required 30 stitches.

Their selectors named three uncapped replacements for Starc and Hazlewood: Chris Tremain, Joe Mennie and Daniel Worrall, so the loss of more experience could be telling.

Australia’s first ODI in South Africa is against Ireland on 27 Sept, before they begin a five-match series against South Africa on 30 Sept.

Australian squad: Steven Smith (capt), David Warner, George Bailey, Scott Boland, Aaron Finch, John Hastings, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Marsh, Joe Mennie, Chris Tremain, Matthew Wade (wk), Daniel Worrall, Adam Zampa.

Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix