England’s Bethell out of Australia tour and a doubt for South Africa Tests

Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of England’s entire white-ball tour of Australia after suffering a setback on his return from injury and could now be a doubt for the Tests in South Africa.

Batter and spin bowler Bethell has not played since the final ODI against India at The Kia Oval in July after sustaining a knee problem that required surgery.

The 23-year-old was due to return for the three ODIs against Australia, which start in Perth on Friday, and the five T20 internationals that follow, but will now return to England after a “setback” in training and is poised to see a specialist.

On Monday, Bethell was included in England’s Test squad for the three-match tour of South Africa from December 17

Fast bowler Josh Tongue had already been already ruled out of the Australia tour due to a toe injury.

England have called up uncapped Hampshire seamer Eddie Jack and Sussex all-rounder James Coles into the ODI squad as replacements for Tongue and Bethell.

Jack and Coles were already part of the T20 party.

Schedule for England’s tour of Australia

ODIs 3.30am UK time, with T20s 8.15am UK time

• First ODI: Friday, November 13 (Perth)
• Second ODI: Sunday November 15 (Adelaide)
• Third ODI: Wednesday November 18 (Hobart)
• First T20I: Saturday November 21 (Melbourne)
• Second T20I: Tuesday November 24 (Carrara)
• Third T20I: Friday November 27 (Brisbane)
• Fourth T20I: Sunday November 29 (Sydney)
• Fifth T20I: Wednesday December 2 (Canberra)