Wounded Stars walk away winners

Australia walked away from their nine-wicket win at North Sydney Oval not only series winners, but also somewhat battered and bruised after a dramatic, rain-affected 59.1 overs of cricket.

Two dislocated fingers and an on-field collision meant several of the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars will have woken up feeling somewhat worse for wear on Thursday after their third one-day international against South Africa.

Before play had even started on Wednesday, allrounder Grace Harris had dislocated a finger during the warm-up.

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Fortunately, the off-spinner had no problems taking the field and finished the best of Australia's bowlers with 3-31 from seven overs.

Then, in the match itself, leg-spinner Kristen Beams was forced from the field during South Africa’s innings after dislocating her right pinkie finger.

Efforts to put the digit back in its joint were unsuccessful, but the injury was not enough to stop the 32-year-old from completing her final two overs – collecting the wicket of centurion Lizelle Lee in the process – before being taken to hospital for treatment.

Finally, opener Nicole Bolton found herself flying head over heels after a nasty collision with South African 'keeper Lee while dashing through for a quick single.

After taking several minutes to compose herself, the Western Australian batter carried on with her innings, finishing unbeaten on 77.

"I'm in a little bit of pain, my back's a little bit sore," Bolton said after the match.

"I thought she was going to roll the ball onto the stumps, then she ended up getting in my way.

"I'm keen to see the vision later on and I think I'll wake up pretty sore tomorrow.

"I certainly felt (the impact) and took the opportunity to have a drink and calm myself down."

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A trip to hospital revealed Beams had suffered a fractured finger, with Australia now awaiting further medical assessment before they know whether the in-form leggie will remain with the squad for the final two matches in Coffs Harbour.

"Beamsy was incredible”, Bolton said.

"Her finger was still dislocated and she bowled her last two overs for us.

"That shows the strength of character of someone like Beamsy, who we heavily rely on with the ball, and for her to come out and do that for us was just incredible."

For Bolton, the chance to score some big runs after being dismissed for 18 in the first match and falling to a freakish catch from Mignon du Preez in the second was worth the pain.

"I was a bit frustrated in Canberra, I thought I was striking the ball really well and I missed out on some great wickets,” she said.

"But batting as with any cricket, your luck turns and today was my day.

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"I'm really happy to have got that’s score and to be able to bat with Meg.

"Momentum is everything so I'll be looking to continue that in the next two games and not just be a one-innings wonder."

A squad for the final two matches of the one-day series was announced on Thursday morning, with fast bowler Holly Ferling making way for South Australia pair Amanda Wellington and Tahlia McGrath as Australian selectors look to give opportunities to untried young players ahead of next year's World Cup in England.