Cummins Prioritizes Test Series Over Zimbabwe ODIs Ahead of South Africa Tour

While serving as Australia’s ODI captain, Pat Cummins has featured in only two matches since leading the team to a 2023 World Cup triumph over India in Ahmedabad. With Steven Smith, Mitchell Marsh, and Josh Inglis having previously captained the one-day side, Cummins expressed uncertainty about his involvement in the upcoming Zimbabwe ODI series, emphasizing a strategic focus on the subsequent Test series against South Africa.

Australia’s itinerary includes a three-match ODI series in Zimbabwe from September 15 to 20, followed by a South African leg. However, Cummins hinted at potentially skipping the Zimbabwe leg, stating, “I think I’ll be part of at least some of it… the focus is on the Test series.” He added that white-ball selections will consider preparation for red-ball contests, estimating he might participate in one to three of the six ODIs before the Test series begins.

Discussing his approach with Fox Cricket in Mackay, Cummins and fellow bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood indicated expectations of involvement in the ODIs. While Tests remain the priority, the broader context includes planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup, where most matches will occur in South Africa and Zimbabwe. For Australia, this follows up to 21 Tests within a 12-month window.

Starc has played nine ODIs since the last World Cup, including all three against India at home, while Hazlewood leads the big three with 11 appearances. Despite playing a sore toe during the Darwin Test, Cummins noted that the pace bowlers completed the Bangladesh series without significant strain. Scott Boland briefly emerged as a contender for the second Test, though Australia fielded the same attack across both matches.

Following the ODIs against South Africa, concluding September 30 in Potchefstroom, Australia will contest a two-day practice match on October 3 and 4 before the first Test in Durban. This marks their return to South African Tests after the 2018 ball-tampering controversy, following white-ball series in 2020 and 2023. The 2021 tour was canceled due to the pandemic, and South Africa defeated Australia at Lord’s in the 2023 World Test Championship final.

“They’re a really strong side,” Cummins reflected, noting Australia’s unexpected success in their recent home series and South Africa’s dominance at Lord’s. He highlighted the challenges of varying pitches across South African venues, from Durban to Cape Town, and expressed enthusiasm for Test cricket’s diversity: “Conditions are always a little bit unknown. Can’t wait.” Australia’s ODI squads for Zimbabwe and South Africa, along with A-team selections for India, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, with the Test squad likely finalized in early September.

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