Australia have made a change to their ODI squad for the upcoming South Africa series, with New South Wales all-rounder earning a call-up following Billy Stanlake’s tour-ending injury. Spencer Johnsonmeanwhile, has been released from the squad to manage his workload ahead of the next phase of Australia’s 50-over commitments.
The changes come after Australia completed a 3-0 T20I series sweep against Zimbabwe, securing the final match by one wicket on Sunday. The team has now travelled to South Africa for a three-match ODI series, with the first game scheduled in Durban on Thursday.
Star all-rounder added to Australia’s ODI squad
Australia have added Jack Edwards into the squad after Stanlake suffered a side injury during his fifth over of the second match against Zimbabwe. The New South Wales allrounder has already represented Australia in T20Is, making his international debut during the series against Pakistan earlier this year.
However, Edwards is yet to play an ODI for Australia. He was briefly added to the squad for the ODI series against India last season but did not make his debut in the format.
The call-up comes at a significant point in his career. Edwards was recently replaced as New South Wales captain after the state indicated that he wanted to concentrate more closely on his individual game. He had also been with Australia A in India for their two-match four-day series against India A before receiving the international call-up. His inclusion gives Australia another allround option as they prepare for the ODI leg in South Africa.
Spencer Johnson released after Zimbabwe series
While Edwards joins the squad, Johnson has been released as Australia look to carefully manage his workload. He featured in two of the three matches against Zimbabwe and played an important role with the bat in the final game, helping Nathan Ellis complete Australia’s one-wicket victory.
The decision is particularly relevant given Johnson’s injury history. The left-arm quick spent a significant period on the sidelines with a back problem during 2025 and the early part of 2026. Johnson will now receive a break before joining Australia A for the 50-over portion of their tour against India A. He had initially been the only player scheduled to overlap between the two squads.
Australia bolster pace options with senior stars ready to shine
Edwards’ selection also provides an indication of Australia’s squad balance. Cameron Green missed the entire Zimbabwe series with a shoulder issue, meaning the selectors have opted to add an allrounder rather than directly replace Stanlake with another specialist fast bowler.
Australia will nevertheless have greater pace depth in South Africa, with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc joining the squad. Green’s condition has also reportedly not been viewed as a major concern, with the allrounder training during Australia’s time in Harare.
The ODI series will begin in Durban before moving to Johannesburg and Potchefstroom. With a Test series to follow, Australia’s multi-format fast bowlers are expected to be rotated across the matches. Josh Hazlewoodfor instance, played only once in Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, Peter Handscomb will captain Australia A in their opening four-day game against India A. Liam Scott will take over the allrounder’s role at No. 7 in Edwards’ absence, while Konstas himself and Campbell Kellaway are set to open the batting. Todd Murphy, Corey Rocchiccioli, Fergus O’Neill and Brendan Doggett complete the bowling combination.
Australia ODI squad (updated): Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins, Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Joel Davies, Jack Edwards, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa