Injury Blow Hits England as Tong Out of Upcoming Three‑Match ODI Tour

England’s fast‑bowling depth has taken a hit with the unexpected injury to Josh Tong, who will miss the three‑match ODI series against Australia in Perth. The 28‑year‑old suffered a toe‑finger strain during a training session, and the ECB confirmed his removal from the squad on Saturday.

The loss forces captain Harry Brook to look to the remaining pacers for support. Josiah Archer, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Henry Crocombe and Jamie Overton now shoulder the responsibility of leading the attack, each having featured in the victorious 50‑over warm‑up game at the WACA.

Tong’s recent schedule included a strategic rest from the five‑match T20 series, a decision taken to keep him fresh for England’s upcoming Test tour of South Africa beginning in December. His last ODI performance came in Rawalpindi, where he posted a rapid 79 runs and took three wickets, though England could not chase down Sri Lanka’s imposing total.

The series kicks off on 13 November at Perth Stadium, with the final game slated for 20 November. After the Aussies, England’s calendar moves to South Africa, where a three‑match Test series will start on 17 December in Johannesburg, preceded by a short warm‑up match in Durham from 9 to 11 December.

England’s 15‑man ODI squad for the Perth leg remains unchanged apart from Tong’s withdrawal: Harry Brook (c), Josiah Archer, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jordan Cox, Henry Crocombe, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid and Joe Root.