Batsman Shaun Marsh and all-rounder James Faulkner have been ruled out of Australia's one-day series in South Africa later this month with injuries, Cricket Australia said Thursday. Marsh has a fractured finger and Faulkner suffered a calf injury in training. The selection panel have called up Usman Khawaja for Marsh, but said Faulkner will not be replaced in the squad. "Shaun undertook a follow-up X-ray and was reviewed by specialists this week," team physiotherapist David Beakley said. "Unfortunately, due to the fracture being in the joint of the finger we have decided to take a more conservative approach, therefore he will not be available for the South Africa series. "James suffered a low-grade calf strain during a fitness session in Sydney today which we expect to take up to four weeks to recover.' Captain Steve Smith, who was rested from the Sri Lanka tour after the second of five ODIs, returns to lead the side in South Africa. The tour comprises six ODIs with the first against Ireland on Sept. 27 followed by five against South Africa beginning on Sept. 30. Hick batting coach Former England batsman Graeme Hick was Thursday promoted to be Australia's specialist batting coach starting with the upcoming series against South Africa. Hick, who played 65 Tests and 120 one-dayers for England, was appointed Cricket Australia's high performance coach in 2013. Head coach Darren Lehmann paid tribute to Hick's abilities. "Graeme worked with us during the recent ODI tour in the West Indies and we were really impressed with what he brought to the group. "He is a very experienced player in all conditions and will bring a wealth of knowledge with him. "With an ICC Champions Trophy, an Ashes Series and an ICC World Cup all to be played in England in the near future, his knowledge of those conditions will also be invaluable." Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1987, Hick acted as assistant coach on the recent West Indies tour while Lehmann took a break. The prolific Hick, who retired from first-class cricket in 2008 with 136 centuries and 41,112 first-class runs, was appointed batting coach through to 2020. Cricket Australia said Greg Blewett would return to his job as fielding coach after filling in as batting coach following the departure of Michael di Venuto who moved to England to coach Surrey in March.
