Bouncer by Rabada forces Mitchell Owen out of white-ball series

Australia’s Mitchell Owen has been sidelined for the remainder of the white-ball series against South Africa after suffering a concussion from a bouncer by Proteas pacer Kagiso Rabada during the second T20I in Darwin.

Although the Tasmanian all-rounder initially passed a concussion test during the 53-run defeat on Tuesday, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed that Owen later experienced symptoms and will now undergo the mandatory 12-day rest period. This rules him out of Saturday’s T20I series decider in Cairns, as well as the upcoming ODI series, where he was in line to potentially make his debut.

In his absence, spin-bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly has been called into the squad.

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Australia has also been hit by additional injury setbacks. Batter Matt Short and fast bowler Lance Morris have both been ruled out of the ODI leg with side and back injuries, respectively. Aaron Hardie, another all-rounder, and left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann have been named as their replacements.

CA added that Morris has returned to Perth for further evaluation of his back issue.

The T20I series is currently level at 1-1, with Australia claiming a 17-run win in the opening game before South Africa bounced back in the second clash.

SOUTH AFRICA LEVELS SERIES 1-1

Dewald Brevis blasted a stunning 125 off 56 balls, including 12 fours and 8 sixes, to lead South Africa to a commanding 53-run victory over Australia in the second T20I in Darwin.

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His explosive century, the second-fastest in South African T20 history, helped the visitors post 7-218. Brevis shared a 126-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs (31 off 22 balls), with both dominating the Australian attack.

Australia’s chase faltered, with Tim David offering the only resistance, scoring 50 off 24 balls despite a shoulder injury. The rest of the batting lineup crumbled, with Alex Carey’s 26 being the next highest score. Australia was restricted to 165, as South Africa leveled the series 1-1 and ended Australia’s nine-match winning streak.

The decider will be played in Cairns on Saturday.