![Mitchell Owen in action [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1755335046657_owen_out.jpg?type=mq)
Mitchell Owen in action [Source: AFP]
In a significant development, Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first in the decider of the ongoing three-match series against South Africa. At toss, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh stated that the hosts would field first, confirming three changes to their playing XI from the last game. While Josh Inglis and Nathan Ellis came in for Alex Carey and Sean Abbott, Aaron Hardie replaced Mitchell Owen.
Why Has Mitchell Owen Been Excluded?
Mitchell Owen, who struck 125 runs, including a fifty, at a blistering strike rate of 192.31 against West Indies, failed miserably in the South Africa home series. Before getting sidelined due to injury, Owen could score only ten runs in two outings at a horrendous average of five.
However, it's worth mentioning that Owen's exclusion has nothing to do with his form. The swashbuckling batter sustained a concussion injury after a pacy delivery from Kagiso Rabada hit him on his helmet in the second T20I.
Although he kept batting, Owen showed delayed symptoms of a concussion, forcing the Australian team management to sideline him from the remainder part of the tour. This is the reason why he's been ruled out from the decider, with promising all-rounder Aaron Hardie replacing him in the playing XI.
Talking about Australia's other changes, Nathan Ellis and Josh Inglis have been brought back, with Sean Abbott and Alex Carey making room for them. Abbott has probably been dropped due to his poor returns in the previous game, while Inglis walks in after recovering from the flu that kept him out of the second T20I.
Australia's Playing XI For 3rd T20I vs South Africa
Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (WK), Cameron Green, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
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