England all-rounder Jacob Bethell faces an uncertain race against time to prove his fitness for the Test series in South Africa next month, having been withdrawn from the white-ball tour of Australia due to complications with his right knee.
The 23-year-old underwent surgery on his right knee at the end of August. According to The Guardian, while he was initially not expected to be available for the one-day internationals beginning in Perth on Friday, there had been optimism he would participate in the Twenty20 matches that follow. However, swelling has returned in the same knee during early fitness work on tour, forcing his departure.
Bethell sat out last weekend's warm-up fixture at the Waca ground, and subsequent scans have been forwarded to his specialist in the United Kingdom. His tour has now been formally concluded. England captain Joe Root called Bethell's setback "disappointing" ahead of the first ODI in Australia.
The injury represents a fresh setback for Bethell, who has missed six consecutive series in all formats following the initial problem. The recurrence followed discomfort in Bethell's right knee while he was making 91 against India at Lord's during the third ODI in July, which had kept him sidelined since that match.
How will Bethell prepare for the South Africa Tests?
Bethell will return to the United Kingdom this weekend for further assessment. His prospects of selection for the first Test against South Africa, scheduled to begin on 17 December, may depend on whether he can feature in the solitary warm-up match in Durban a week earlier. England's tour match against a Cricket South Africa Invitation XI is scheduled for 9–11 December in Durban.
An alternative pathway exists through the Lions, England's second string, which is travelling to South Africa this month for three 50-over games and two first-class matches. Featuring in those contests could provide Bethell with match fitness ahead of the Test series.
Who else has been affected by injury?
Fast bowler Josh Tongue was also ruled out of the Australia tour last week due to a toe problem. In response, Sussex all-rounder James Coles and Hampshire seamer Eddie Jack – both members of the senior T20 squad – are flying in early from the Lions series in the Caribbean to provide cover.
What is the schedule for the South Africa Tests?
Bethell's recent form had offered encouragement for his involvement in the South Africa campaign. Bethell scored 154 in the final Ashes Test in January, an innings described as one of the few highlights of England's tour, demonstrating his potential at Test level despite the injury troubles that have plagued his recent career.
