Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc will not be participating in Australia's white-ball tour of South Africa due to injuries. However, it is anticipated that both players will fully recover in time for the ODI World Cup taking place in India.
Meanwhile, Pat Cummins has already announced his absence from the South Africa tour due to a fractured wrist. In light of his recovery process, Mitchell Marsh will assume the role of ODI captaincy in addition to leading the T20 side during the matches against the Proteas.
An injury to his left wrist tendon has forced Smith to the sidelines, with an estimated recovery period of up to four weeks. The extent of the injury's duration has not been disclosed, although Smith was observed receiving treatment prior to the fourth Ashes Test.
Throughout the six-Test tour to England this year, including the one-off World Test Championship final against India, Smith managed to make two centuries – one against India and another in the second Ashes Test at Lord's.
Originally slated to participate in both the T20 games and one-dayers in the tour, Steve Smith's absence has created an opportunity for Marnus Labuschagne to join the squad for the 50-over games against South Africa.
Mitchell Starc's absence, attributed to “groin soreness” following his involvement in the WTC final and four out of five Ashes Tests in an eight-week period, has paved the way for fellow left-arm quick Spencer Johnson to remain for the ODI leg of the tour.
Johnson is now poised to make his international debut in both white-ball formats.
While Cummins is expected to rejoin the squad during the latter stages of the South Africa tour, Smith and Starc are expected to link up with the team in India where Australia is scheduled to engage in three ODIs against the host nation before the commencement of the World Cup tournament.
Consequently, Ashton Turner will fill the spot left vacant by Steve Smith in Australia's T20 squad. Marnus Labuschagne, initially not picked for the tour and the World Cup, replaces Smith in the ODI side.
The South Africa series coincides with an Australia A series, which Labuschagne – initially selected for the Australia A matches – will now miss. Turner, on the other hand, remains a contender for the A series as the T20I series concludes on September 3, followed by the first Australia A one-dayer on September 10.
Cricket Australia has confirmed that Michael di Venuto will assume the role of head coach for the T20 leg against the Proteas. He will be supported by former Australian fast bowler Clint McKay and Dan Marsh, the assistant coach of the Australian women's team.
Australia squad without Steve Smith South Africa tour
Australia ODI squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa
Australia T20 squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorff, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Turner, Adam Zampa
