West Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly has been given a reprieve in the country’s white-ball squads.

Connolly will fly from Perth to Mackay to take part in the one-day-international league of Australia’s Top End tour against South Africa.

The move comes as part of a sweeping change that also means Lance Morris will return home with a fresh injury setback.

Morris has reported more soreness in his lower back and has been flown back to Perth from Mackay, where he was meant to play for Australia in its three-match one-day international series against South Africa.

The 27-year-old has been battling the back issue since the end of last summer, with doctors picking up what has been described as an “abnormality” in his back.

Morris did not bowl for around two months in the off-season and was managed closely in his return.

The Cricket Australia-contracted quick has been replaced in the squad by WA and Perth Scorchers teammate Aaron Hardie.

It comes as part of sweeping changes to the white-ball setup, with the Twenty20 series against the Proteas locked at 1-1.

Batting sensation Mitch Owen has been placed in concussion protocols after copping a blow from Kagiso Rabada in Tuesday night’s defeat in Darwin, while Matt Short has also been pulled out of the 50-over series.

Short has not recovered in time from a side injury he picked up during the series against West Indies last month.

Speaking in Perth on Wednesday, Connolly said he was disappointed to be left out initially but declared he was still eager to play a role at next year’s World Cup.

“There was just communication (from selectors) around, some good players are coming back , so just making room for them,” he said.

“The dream is to play as many games for Australia as you can and I’m obviously looking forward to hopefully putting my name forward for that T20 World Cup. It’s still a long while away and I’m just looking to play some good cricket.”

Morris has been in and around the Australian squad for about three years, but has been limited to just three ODIs so far in his international career due to injury, form and the country’s strong fast-bowling depth.

Australia won the first T20 in Darwin, but South Africa hit back in the Northern Territory capital on Tuesday night to level the series.

The T20 decider will take place in Cairns on Saturday night, before the ODIs get underway next Tuesday.