Australia all-rounder Mitchell Owen will miss the rest of the white-ball series against South Africa after suffering a concussion. The 22-year-old was hit on the helmet by a bouncer from Kagiso Rabada during the second T20I in Darwin, which Australia lost by 53 runs.
Cricket Australia said Owen passed an initial sideline assessment but later developed concussion symptoms. Under medical rules, he must follow a 12-day stand-down period, which means he will miss the series decider in Cairns on Saturday and what could have been his debut in the upcoming ODI series.
Spin-bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly has been called in as his replacement.
Australia has also been hit by more injury setbacks ahead of the ODIs. Batter Matt Short is out with a side strain, while fast bowler Lance Morris has returned to Perth for further assessment on a lower back issue. All-rounder Aaron Hardie and spinner Matthew Kuhnemann have been added to the squad.
The T20I series is currently level at 1-1 after Australia’s 17-run win in the first match and South Africa’s comeback victory in the second. The decider in Cairns is set to decide the winner before both teams switch focus to the ODI series.
