Australia have rested fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood for their ODI series against the Proteas later this month.

According to Cricket Australia, Starc and Hazlewood will be left out so they can be fresh for the Australian summer season, which will come as a blow to the Proteas, who will now have to come up against depleted resources.

‘Mitchell and Josh have had big tours of Sri Lanka and have a heavy workload ahead of them with ten Tests to be played this (domestic) summer,’ chief selector Rod Marsh said.

‘As such, it is important they are managed appropriately and we believe missing the tour of South Africa is the right time for them to take a break.’

Marsh added that this will be the ideal opportunity for up-and-coming fast bowlers to impress selectors.

He then added that with a number of bowlers coming back from injury, it’s important for the national team to continue to build up a pool of quality fast-bowlers.

Nathan Coulter-Nile was ruled out earlier this week for an indefinite spell after leaving home early from the Sri Lanka ODI series with a serious back injury.

CA confirmed that Hazlewood will return home immediately from the Sri Lankan tour and Starc will remain in the side for the remaining ODI and two T20 Internationals against Sri Lanka.

The squad for South African tour will be announced after the final ODI against Sri Lanka.

The tour will consist of an ODI against Ireland and five against South Africa, with the first clash against Ireland commencing September 27.

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