England Fast Bowler Josh Tongue Ruled Out of Australia ODIs

Rule Out: England fast bowler Josh Tongue has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series in Australia due to a toe injury. Return to UK: He will travel back to the UK to have his big left toe problem assessed. He was reportedly carrying the issue during the recent tri-series in Pakistan, where he played in only the first of England's four matches.

Team Context & Preparations

Test Tour Focus: Tongue was not originally scheduled to be involved in the T20I leg of the tour as he prepares for England's upcoming Test tour of South Africa next month.

Pace Attack Replenishments: England's pace resources in Australia have been boosted by the return of Jofra Archer, who picked up 3 for 34 in a 92-round warm-up victory at the WACA ground in Perth.

Squad Additions: Jacob Bethell has also rejoined the squad following a knee injury and has been named co-vice-captain alongside Will Jacks. England also welcomed back Jacob Bethell after a knee injury that has kept him out since July. Bethell did not find his way into the XI, but has been named as one of two vice-captains for the tour, alongside Will Jacks.

"Jacob's a very strong leader within our group across all formats, and he's still working his way back from injury," McCullum said. "We'll keep assessing him every day, and we'll see where we land. But you know, he's another good talent to have sitting on the sidelines at the moment, and we'll work it out once we get into that first game."

Upcoming Schedule

Australia Series: The three-match ODI series begins next Friday, followed by a five-match T20I series.

South Africa Tests: England's winter schedule moves to South Africa next month, with the Test squad to be announced next week ahead of the first Test starting in Johannesburg on December 17.