Cummins arrives in Durban but held back for opener
Pat Cummins has touched down in Durban and linked up with Australia’s ODI group, but don’t expect to see him in the XI for the series opener against South Africa on Thursday.
Training sessions on Tuesday pointed to a familiar look for the first game: Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood in the pace attack, with Mitchell Marsh retaining the captain’s role for at least one more match.
It’s a cautious approach from the Aussies, prioritising freshness and workload management with the Test series looming immediately after the three ODIs.
Why Cummins is being managed
Cummins has played just two of Australia’s 31 ODIs since the 2023 World Cup triumph, with selectors keen to keep him sharp for Tests while still getting him “online” in the 50-over format before the 2027 World Cup in Southern Africa.
The plan appears to be: ease him in during the middle or latter part of the ODI series, then hand him the Test captaincy as usual once the red-ball contests begin.
With South Africa also missing key quicks like Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Ottneil Baartman through injury, Australia’s depth in pace—Starc, Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett—means there’s little rush to throw Cummins straight into the fire.
What this means for Australia’s XI in Durban
Expect Marsh to continue leading the side, with Starc and Hazlewood carrying the new-ball duties.
The likely seam options for game one include Ellis and Bartlett, while all-rounder Cameron Green remains a question mark due to a shoulder concern.
Jack Edwards, called up after Billy Stanlake’s side strain, is in the squad and in line for a possible ODI debut if Green is ruled out or rested.
South Africa context: Proteas also depleted
South Africa are without Rabada, Ngidi, Baartman and Nandré Burger (back complaint), leaving Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee and Corbin Bosch to shoulder much of the fast-bowling load.
That makes the opening ODI at Kingsmead a fascinating contest of depth: Australia’s strengthened pace group versus a Proteas side leaning heavily on experience from Quinton de Kock, David Miller and Aiden Markram.
What’s next in the series
- 1st ODI: September 24, Kingsmead, Durban – Cummins unlikely to play; Marsh to captain.
- 2nd ODI: September 27, The Wanderers, Johannesburg – Cummins could feature depending on workload plans.
- 3rd ODI: September 30, Senwes Park, Potchefstroom – Ideal spot for Cummins to get meaningful overs before the Tests.
After the ODIs, the focus shifts to the three-Test series, where Cummins will resume full-time Test captaincy.
FAQs
Will Pat Cummins play any ODIs in this South Africa series?
Yes, he is expected to feature in the second and/or third ODI, with the first match in Durban used to manage his workload.
Who is captaining Australia in the first ODI?
Mitchell Marsh continues as captain for the series opener in Durban.
Why is Cummins being rested for the first ODI?
Australia are managing his workload with the Test series immediately following, and want him fresh for red-ball cricket while still preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Is Jack Edwards likely to make his ODI debut in Durban?
He’s in the squad after replacing the injured Billy Stanlake and could debut if Cameron Green is unavailable or if Australia opt for an extra bowling option.
