Jacob Bethell ruled out of England’s Australia white-ball tour after right-knee scan
England batter Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of England’s white-ball tour of Australia after a scan of his right knee revealed an issue, the ICC website reported on November 12, 2026. The 22-year-old will return to the United Kingdom on Saturday to consult a specialist.
Bethell had been included in both England’s ODI and T20I squads for the Australia tour and was due to make his first competitive appearance since July 2026. The development represents another setback to his return to competitive cricket following an injury during the home summer. Bethell is also part of England’s squad for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 series against South Africa.
This is the second injury-related absence England have had since arriving in Australia, with fast bowler Josh Tongue having been ruled out of the tour earlier. The two withdrawals have required squad changes ahead of the white-ball fixtures.
James Coles and Eddie Jack have been called into the ODI squad as replacements for Bethell and Tongue. Both players are expected to arrive in Perth on Thursday.
After the ODIs, the teams will meet for a five-match T20I series beginning in Melbourne on November 21. The T20 fixtures are scheduled for Carrara on November 24, Brisbane on November 27, Sydney on November 29 and Canberra on December 2.
England will open their white-ball campaign against Australia with a three-match ODI series starting in Perth on November 13. The second ODI is set for Adelaide on November 15 and the third in Hobart on November 18.
