Jacob Bethell ruled out of England's Australia tour
- Jacob Bethell is out of the white-ball tour to Australia after a knee injury setback.
- The injury is a chondral defect that has sidelined him since July.
- James Coles has been flown in as a replacement for the touring party.
- Eddie Jack has also joined the squad to replace the injured Josh Tongue.
- Bethell is now targeting a return for the Test series in South Africa.
Jacob Bethell is out of England’s white-ball tour of Australia following a setback in his knee injury recovery. The England and Wales Cricket Board said a scan on his right knee confirmed the decision.
He will return to the United Kingdom on Saturday to see a specialist ahead of a busy winter schedule.
Five-month injury layoff for Bethell
He also missed the warm-up victory over Western Australia on Saturday.
Doctors diagnosed him with a chondral defect, or cartilage damage, in his right knee that required surgery. Bethell told the Mail on Sunday he played through pain during the India series after feeling soreness during the preceding T20Is. He originally expected a three-to-four-week recovery period.
The injury has kept him out for nearly five months. He missed home Tests against Pakistan, ODIs against Sri Lanka, a tri-series in Pakistan, and the entire white-ball tour to Australia.
Coles and Jack join England squad
England added Sussex all-rounder James Coles to the squad to replace Bethell. He brings all-round abilities to the touring party.
Hampshire fast bowler Eddie Jack also joins the ODI squad. Jack replaces Josh Tongue, who returned home with a big toe injury.
Banton and Jacks shift roles in Bethell's absence
Tom Banton has replaced Bethell at the top of the batting order. Banton has scored 394 runs at an average of 56.28 since his promotion, including one century and four half-centuries. He will partner Ben Duckett as an opener in the Australian series.
Bethell previously served as vice-captain to Harry Brook. Will Jacks will take on those leadership duties in his absence.
Bethell eyes South Africa Test series return
Selector Marcus North said no decision has been made on the batting order. North also indicated that Bethell could be considered as an opening option for the Tests.
Tour schedule and Root's 200th ODI milestone
Joe Root will reach his 200th ODI milestone this Friday. Root called the injury disappointing, praised Bethell’s work ethic, and said he hoped the injury was not too serious.
The tour runs from 13 November to 2 December. Three ODIs begin in Perth on 13 November before moving to Adelaide and Hobart. The five-match T20I series follows, starting in Melbourne on 21 November and concluding in Canberra on 2 December.
Bethell's last international appearance
Bethell last appeared for England against India at Lord's in July. He scored 91 runs and took 1 for 49 from 10 overs during that match. Officials named him player of the match for that performance.
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- Bethell out of Australia white-ball tour with knee injury 'setback' (cricinfo.com)
- Injury blow for England! Jacob Bethell ruled out of Australia white-ball tour (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
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