England's Bethell ruled out of Australia tour after knee setback

England's Jacob Bethell has been excluded from the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia due to a knee injury setback, according to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The 23-year-old batsman, who has not played since England's one-day series win over India in July, underwent surgery in September following knee discomfort during a Lord's match. Despite travelling to Australia in hopes of a swift return, a recent scan has confirmed his exclusion from the upcoming tour.

The ECB has announced the call-up of James Coles and Eddie Jack to the ODI squad, with Bethell and fast bowler Josh Tongue, who is already sidelined with a left big toe injury, set to miss out. England's white-ball campaign kicks off with a three-match ODI series against Australia, followed by five Twenty20 internationals. The team will then embark on a test series in South Africa, which begins on December 17.