Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of the third and final ODI against South Africa with a side strain while left-arm spinner Joel Davies will also leave the tour after suffering a hamstring strain while fielding as a substitute in the second ODI in Johannesburg.

Ellis’ injury is a significant blow as he had been Australia’s best bowler on the tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa. He suffered a left side strain after bowling four overs in the second ODI and did not return to complete his spell. His absence hurt Australia badly as South Africa racked up 365 to seal a 2-0 series win.

He will return home for further assessments and rehab with the hope of being fit again for the home ODI series against England that starts on November 13. He is the second Australian quick to suffer a side strain on the tour after Billy Stanlake also went down in the second ODI in Zimbabwe.

It means Australia only has four fit fast bowlers to choose from for the final ODI in Potchefstroom on Wednesday with Pat Cummins likely to return after missing the first two ODIs. Mitchell Starc should also play after being rested for the second match. Josh Hazlewood will likely be rested after playing the first two ODIs with Xavier Bartlett likely to retain his place.

Davies returns home after not playing a single game on the tour having travelled as the second specialist spinner. He now faces a rehab period before returning to play domestic cricket for New South Wales.

There have been no additions to the ODI squad in South Africa and no decision has been made on whether Josh Inglis will return for the Test series which starts on October 9 after breaking his finger in the opening ODI in Durban.

Meanwhile, the national selectors have also made changes to the Australia A squad in India. Brendan Doggett, Fergus O’Neill and Campbell Kellaway will leave India to return home for the start of the Sheffield Shield season with Sam Harper, Jhye Richardson and Liam Hatcher set to play in the second unofficial Test in Puducherry starting on Tuesday.

Riley Meredith and Will Sutherland have been added to the Australia A one-day squad for three matches that start next Tuesday. The duo replace Jack Edwards and Aaron Hardie. Edwards is in South Africa having flown in as cover for Cameron Green and has played the first two ODIs of the series. Hardie has been ruled out of the series with a minor knee issue.