Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has been ruled out of the rest of the tour of Sri Lanka after he picked up a side strain while batting in the 1st ODI in Pallekelle.
Ashton Agar’s participation in the rest of the ODIs also is in doubt as the left-arm spinner also hurt his side during the 2-wicket win on Tuesday.
Stoinis’ injury means Australia no longer have a fully fit fast-bowling all-rounder in the side, with Mitch Marsh suffering a calf injury during the T20Is and Cameron Green being held back from bowling for the time being due to workload management. Marsh is expected to be available for the 3rd ODI on Sunday, along with Mitchell Starc.
Agar is expected to stay with the ODI squad, but shift focus to the 2-match Test series set to commence later this month in Galle, according to Cricket Australia.
Australia have now suffered 6 injury blows to their white ball squads, with Sean Abbott (finger), Kane Richardson (hamstring), Mitchell Marsh (calf), Mitchell Starc (finger), Marcus Stoinis (side) and Ashton Agar (side) getting injured during the tour so far.
Matthew Kuhnemann and Travis Head have been called up into the ODI squad as cover/replacements for Stoinis and Agar, with the former likely to make his debut on Thursday. With Agar sidelines, leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson is also likely to get his first game on tour
