Jacob Bethell Ruled Out of England’s Australia Tour Due to Knee Injury
England’s white-ball plans for the Australian summer have taken an early hit, with Jacob Bethell ruled out of the tour after suffering a fresh setback to his right knee in training.
The allrounder, who had only just forced his way back into the ODI squad, broke down during a session in Perth earlier this week. A scan confirmed the worst: his tour is over before a ball is bowled.
For Bethell, it is a brutal interruption. He had recently returned from the knee injury picked up during the ODI series against India in July, a layoff that already cost him valuable time in an England shirt. Now he will fly home on Saturday to the UK to see a specialist, as England’s medical staff take no risks with a player they clearly view as part of a longer-term plan.
With a packed winter ahead, England have opted for caution rather than gamble on his fitness in Australia.
The reshuffle does not end there. James Coles and Eddie Jack have been drafted into the ODI squad as replacements for Bethell and seamer Josh Tongue, who himself was ruled out earlier in the week with a big toe injury. Both call-ups underline England’s willingness to lean on emerging talent when injuries bite.
Coles and Jack are due to land in Perth on Thursday, giving them precious little time to settle before the action starts.
Upcoming Matches
- England open their three-match ODI series against Australia on November 13
- Second match in Adelaide on November 15
- Third match in Hobart on November 18
The schedule will not slow down. England can only hope the injuries do.
