England's white-ball tour of Australia has suffered a second injury blow before a ball has been bowled, with Jacob Bethell ruled out of the entire trip after a scan on his right knee. The 23-year-old had travelled Down Under hoping to make his return to competitive cricket for the first time since July, but a setback in training in Perth has ended that plan — and put his place in England's Test series against South Africa in doubt as well.
The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed the news on Wednesday, 11 November, just two days before the first ODI in Perth. Bethell will fly back to the UK on Saturday, 14 November, to see a specialist, with England deciding not to take any risks given the busy winter ahead.
What happened in Perth
Bethell had been named in both the ODI and T20I squads for the tour, and was making his comeback after the knee problem that has kept him out since July. But he felt discomfort during a training session in Perth earlier this week, and a scan confirmed the worst.
Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the white-ball tour of Australia following a scan on his right knee.
Bethell suffered a setback in his return from the injury during a training session in Perth earlier this week. With a busy winter ahead it was decided that he will return to the UK on Saturday before seeing a specialist.
It is the second injury setback for England since they landed in Australia. Fast bowler Josh Tongue was ruled out earlier in the week with a left big toe injury, and he too has been replaced in the ODI squad.
A comeback cut short
For Bethell, this is a particularly cruel blow. He has not played for England since July, when he felt discomfort in his right knee while scoring 91 in an ODI against India at Lord's. He then required surgery on the knee in September and spent the months since working his way back to full fitness.
The Australia tour was meant to be the next step in that recovery — a chance to get competitive cricket under his belt before the Test series in South Africa. Instead, he is heading home without playing a game, and England will now wait on the specialist's assessment before knowing how long he will be out.
Who comes in as replacements
England have called up two players to the ODI squad to cover the two injuries. Sussex all-rounder James Coles comes in for Bethell, while uncapped Hampshire fast bowler Eddie Jack replaces Tongue. Both are due to arrive in Perth on Thursday, 12 November, a day before the series opener.
Coles is a spin-bowling all-rounder who has impressed in the domestic game, while Jack is a young seamer yet to play international cricket. Neither was in the original touring party, so both will have to settle in quickly with the first ODI just around the corner.
England's updated ODI squad
With Bethell and Tongue out and Coles and Jack in, England's ODI squad for the series now reads:
Harry Brook (captain)
Jofra Archer
Gus Atkinson
Sonny Baker
Tom Banton
James Coles
Jordan Cox
Henry Crocombe
Sam Curran
Liam Dawson
Ben Duckett
Will Jacks
Jamie Overton
Adil Rashid
Joe Root
Eddie Jack
Tour schedule at a glance
England's white-ball tour of Australia runs from 13 November to 2 December, with three ODIs followed by five T20Is. The ODI series opens in Perth on Friday, 13 November, moves to Adelaide on 15 November and finishes in Hobart on 18 November. The T20I series then takes in Melbourne (21 November), Carrara (24 November), Brisbane (27 November), Sydney (29 November) and Canberra (2 December).
What it means for the South Africa Tests
The bigger worry for England is what this means beyond Australia. Bethell was named in England's Test squad for the series against South Africa, announced on 9 November, with the first Test starting on 17 December. His availability for that series is now uncertain, and will depend on what the specialist finds.
England have a busy winter ahead, and the board made clear that caution was the priority. Losing Bethell for the whole white-ball tour is a setback, but rushing him back and risking a longer absence would be far worse. For now, England will hope the specialist's news is good — and that Coles and Jack can make the most of their unexpected chance in Perth.
FAQs
Why has Jacob Bethell been ruled out of the Australia tour?
Bethell suffered a setback in his recovery from a right knee injury during a training session in Perth, and a scan ruled him out of England's white-ball tour of Australia.
Who has replaced Bethell and Josh Tongue in the ODI squad?
Sussex all-rounder James Coles has been called up as Bethell's replacement, while uncapped Hampshire fast bowler Eddie Jack replaces Josh Tongue, who was ruled out earlier with a left big toe injury.
When did Bethell last play for England?
Bethell has not played for England since July 2026, when he felt discomfort in his right knee while scoring 91 in an ODI against India at Lord's. He had knee surgery in September.
When does the ODI series against Australia start?
The three-match ODI series starts on Friday, 13 November in Perth, followed by matches in Adelaide on 15 November and Hobart on 18 November. Five T20Is follow, running to 2 December.
Is Bethell still in England's Test squad for South Africa?
Bethell was named in England's Test squad for the South Africa series, which starts on 17 December, but his availability is now in doubt and will depend on the specialist assessment after he returns to the UK on Saturday, 14 November.
Conclusion
Jacob Bethell's tour is over before it began, and England's white-ball trip to Australia has now lost two players to injury before the first ODI. The 23-year-old's knee has been troubling him since July, and this latest setback means his long-awaited comeback will have to wait. James Coles and Eddie Jack now get their chance in Perth, but England will be hoping the specialist's report brings better news for Bethell — with a Test series in South Africa just over a month away, his winter is hanging in the balance.
Also on CricVic:
Josh Tongue ruled out of England's ODI series in Australia with toe injury
New Zealand name 14-man Test squad for home series against India
Sources:
ECB — Jacob Bethell ruled out of Australia white-ball tour
ICC — Setback for England as batter ruled out of Australia tour