Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis Ruled Out Of 3rd India vs Australia ODI, Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell Set To Return - Reports

Fast bowlers Spencer Johnson and Nathan Ellis have been ruled out of the upcoming third ODI between India and Australia. The third and final match of the three-ODI series is scheduled to be played in Rajkot on Wednesday (September 27).

Both the bowlers failed to make the cut in the playing eleven for the first ODI in Mohali. In the second game, Spencer Johnson was given a chance to make his debut in ODIs while Nathan Ellis warmed the bench. It was a forgettable debut for the left-arm pacer as he conceded 61 runs without picking up a wicket in his 8 overs.

And while he would have loved to bounce back in the third ODI, a hamstring injury has ruled him out of action. Nathan Ellis, on the other hand, has been sidelined with a groin injury. Both the pacers have been sent home ahead of the third ODI. Fortunately for Australia, none of them are in the World Cup squad.

Australia look to avoid whitewash:

While Australia will be without Spencer Johnson and Nathan Ellis for the third ODI, they will be boosted by the return of Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc. Starc has not played a competitive game since the conclusion of the Ashes series in July due to a groin injury. On the other hand, Maxwell also last played in July due to an ankle injury followed by paternity leave.

Spencer Johnson (hamstring) and Nathan Ellis (groin) have been sent home from India. Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell both in frame to return for third ODI.https://t.co/XYkDWvaY3d

— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) September 26, 2023

Both the players will be available for the third ODI and Australia will be hoping that their return changes their fortunes. Australia have lost their last five ODIs and would be desperate to win their last ODI before launching the World Cup campaign next month. The visitors lost the first ODI by 5 wickets before suffering a 99-run defeat in the second game. They will be looking to win the third ODI and avoid a whitewash.

Australia squad for third ODI:

Australia ODI squad: Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa