Jack Edwards Called Up to Australia’s ODI Squad for South Africa Series

New South Wales allrounder Jack Edwards has been called up to Australia’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against South Africa after Billy Stanlake was ruled out with injury. Spencer Johnson has also been released from the squad to manage his workload.

Edwards, who was recently replaced as New South Wales captain after the state said he wanted to focus on his own game, has earned his first ODI call-up. The 24-year-old made his international debut in Australia’s T20I series against Pakistan earlier this year but remains uncapped in the 50-over format.

He was with Australia A in India for their two-match four-day series against India A when he received the call-up. Edwards had also been briefly added to Australia’s ODI squad for the series against India last season.

Stanlake suffered a side injury during his fifth over in the second match of Australia’s series against Zimbabwe. Australia completed a 3-0 series victory on Sunday, securing the final match by one wicket.

Johnson, meanwhile, will be given a break after playing two of the three matches in Zimbabwe. He also played a crucial role with the bat in the final game, helping Nathan Ellis guide Australia to victory. Johnson is expected to join Australia A for the 50-over portion of their tour against India A.

The workload management comes after Johnson spent significant time sidelined with a back injury during 2025 and early 2026.

Edwards Adds Allrounder Cover

Australia’s decision to bring in Edwards rather than another specialist fast bowler could also be linked to Cameron Green’s absence from the Zimbabwe series. Green missed the tour because of a shoulder problem but has continued to train in Harare, and concerns over his availability have been played down in recent days.

Australia’s bowling resources will receive a boost in South Africa with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc joining the squad. The multi-format fast bowlers are expected to be rotated across the three-match ODI series.

Josh Hazlewood, another member of Australia’s pace attack, played only one match during the Zimbabwe series.

Australia travelled to South Africa on Monday, with the first ODI scheduled to be played in Durban on Thursday. The remaining matches will take place in Johannesburg and Potchefstroom before attention turns to the Test series.

Handscomb to Lead Australia A

Meanwhile, Peter Handscomb will captain Australia A in their opening four-day match against India A on Tuesday.

Nathan McSweeney, who could have been considered for the captaincy, will instead be allowed to concentrate on his batting. Handscomb, 35, was included in the Australia A squad with an eye on the Border-Gavaskar series scheduled for January and February next year.

With Edwards unavailable for Australia A, Liam Scott will take over the allrounder's role at No. 7. Sam Konstas and Campbell Kellaway are set to open the batting, while offspinners Todd Murphy and Corey Rocchiccioli will feature alongside fast bowlers Fergus O'Neill and Brendan Doggett.