Jacob Bethell ruled out of England's Australia tour and doubtful for South Africa Tests due to knee injury

Jacob Bethell has been sidelined from England's white-ball cricket tour in Australia and is uncertain for the upcoming Test series in South Africa after a recurrence of a right knee injury. Bethell last played in July, injuring his knee while scoring 91 in an ODI against India at Lord's. Despite surgery in September and traveling to Australia, he did not play any matches due to a setback during training and will return to the UK for specialist assessment. Sussex all-rounder James Coles and seamer Eddie Jack have been called up as replacements. Bethell's absence poses a significant challenge for England, as he missed much of the season and is key across all formats. He was named in the South Africa Test squad, but his fitness is now doubtful, potentially allowing other batsmen like Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Ollie Pope, James Rew, or Ben McKinney to fill his role.