Australia's injury woes worsen

Australia’s injury woes have worsened with fast bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile the latest player to be ruled out of the five-match ODI series against England.

Coulter-Nile joins David Warner and Shane Watson on the sidelines with a trio of Victorians called in as replacements.

Aaron Finch will cover Warner at the top of the order while allrounder John Hastings and wicketkeeper-batsman Peter Handscomb have been included in the squad to cover the loss of Coulter-Nile and Watson and joined the touring party in Manchester on Sunday night.

All three outgoing players were injured in Australia’s controversial 64-run win at Lord’s on Saturday.

Watch: Australia go up two-nil in heated win at Lord's

Warner broke his thumb after being hit by a Steven Finn bouncer, Watson strained his right calf batting and Coulter-Nile strained his right hamstring in the field late in the match.

“We’re disappointed to lose players of the calibre of David Warner, Shane Watson and Nathan Coulter-Nile but we have quality replacements on hand in Aaron Finch, Peter Handscomb and John Hastings,” Bupa Support Team Head Coach Darren Lehmann said.

“We looked at all options including the possibility of flying in cover from Australia but the fact all three of the players we have drafted in are already in England means they can join us at short notice, be acclimatised to conditions and be available for selection immediately, if required.

“We look forward to them playing their parts in trying to ensure we finish this tour with a victory in the one-day international series against England, starting in Manchester on Tuesday night.”

Hastings with Durham this season // Getty Images

Hastings is no stranger to the Australian set-up having played one Test, 11 ODIs and three T20s for his country.

The last time Hastings wore the green and gold for Australia in 50-over cricket was four years ago against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

The 29-year-old was in rare touch for county club Durham this season in the domestic one-day competition, taking 18 wickets in eight matches at an outstanding average of 15.44.

“It’s a little bit of a surprise as I haven’t played for Australia since 2012 (in his maiden Test) but I never gave up hope and thought that if I kept on doing the right thing then I would have a chance,” Hastings said.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have done fairly well for Durham and I’m very excited.

“In the past when I’ve had the opportunity I’ve not taken it with both hands and so to get another opportunity is great.

“Whether I get a game, I’m not sure, but if I do then I’ll be giving it my all.”

Handscomb in action with Gloucestershire // Getty Images

Handscomb, 24, has been in England plying his trade with county club Gloucestershire this off-season.

Sandwiched in between stints at Bristol, Handscomb travelled to Chennai to play for Australia A in the two-match four-day series against India A and the 50-over tri-series against the hosts and South Africa A.

A solid 91 in the first four-day match was the highlight of the tour which also featured a brisk 52 against South Africa A batting at No.5.

“It’s a big shock and I definitely didn’t see it coming but I’m thrilled to get the call,” Handscomb said.

“I had a good season at home and have been trying to back it up and I’ve been lucky enough to be here in England so it might be a case of (being in the) right place (at the) right time.

“Being involved with the A squad in India earlier this year was an awesome experience. I’m feeling good, and I can’t wait to join up with the rest of the players.”

Half the 14-man squad is now made up of Victorians, with New South Wales contributing three, Western Australia two and Queensland and Tasmania one apiece.

Australia lead the series two-nil and play the third ODI on Tuesday in Manchester.