England fast bowler Josh Tongue has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia after sustaining a toe injury, dealing a setback to the visitors ahead of the opening match.
Tongue, who was not scheduled to feature in the T20I series, is set to return to the United Kingdom for further medical assessment. The pacer reportedly carried the injury to his left big toe during England's recent tour of Pakistan, where he played only the opening match of the four-game tri-series campaign.
The injury raises concerns over Tongue's availability for England's upcoming three-Test series against South Africa next month. The right-arm fast bowler has become an important member of England's Test setup over the past 12 months and has also made his ODI and T20I debuts this year.
Tongue has been part of England's emerging fast-bowling group alongside Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Sonny Baker, providing the team with pace options across all formats.
England Receive Boost with Archer and Bethell Returns
Despite Tongue's absence, England have received a major boost with the return of Jofra Archer, who was rested during the Pakistan tour following a demanding English summer.
Archer impressed in England's 92-run victory over a Western Australia side in their 50-over warm-up match at the WACA in Perth, claiming three wickets for 34 runs.
England head coach Brendon McCullum was pleased with Archer's performance and praised the fast bowler's rhythm and ability to contribute in different phases of the game.
"He was good. I thought he was in good rhythm actually. I think he looked like he was charging in nicely," McCullum said.
He also highlighted Archer's ability to swing the ball and deliver effectively with the new ball, during the middle overs and at the death.
England have also welcomed back Jacob Bethell, who has recovered from a knee injury that had kept him out of action since July. Although Bethell did not feature in the warm-up match, he has been appointed one of the tour's vice-captains alongside Will Jacks.
McCullum described Bethell as a strong leader within the squad and confirmed that the team would continue monitoring his recovery before making a decision on his availability.
England Look to Continue ODI Progress Against Australia
England began their Australian tour on a positive note with a 92-run victory in the warm-up fixture in Perth. The three-match ODI series is scheduled to begin next Friday, followed by five T20I matches.
The visitors will be keen to put their disappointing Pakistan campaign behind them, where they lost their first three matches and failed to qualify for the tri-series final.
However, England have shown encouraging progress in the ODI format, having won their previous three bilateral series in 2026.
Following the Australia tour, England will travel to South Africa for an important three-match Test series. The team is scheduled to play a warm-up fixture in Durban before the opening Test begins in Johannesburg on December 17.
With Tongue's injury now a concern, England's medical team will closely monitor his recovery as they prepare for a demanding winter schedule.
