Pat Cummins reveals strategy for South Africa ODIs
What's the story
Australia's Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins has revealed his strategy for the upcoming series against South Africa. He plans to use the ODIs as a stepping stone into the Test series, with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood likely joining him. Cummins, who has only played two ODIs since leading Australia to victory in the 2023 World Cup final against India, hinted that he could miss part of Zimbabwe tour before heading to South Africa.
Strategy shift
'White-ball series with eye to red ball,' says Cummins
Following Australia's innings win in the second Test over Bangladesh in Mackay, Cummins said he would be part of some ODIs, but hinted that the focus is on the Test series.
He said, "So a lot of the white-ball [series], and how we play that, would be with an eye to the red ball."
The Australian captain also mentioned a possible break from bowling before ramping up for the series.
"We'll probably all have, I imagine, a week or two off bowling, still do your gym work, and then we'll start building up for that series. I'll probably have an extra week here if I don't play the Zimbabwe [matches]."
Team composition
Starc, Hazlewood also keen to play ODIs
Starc and Hazlewood have also expressed their willingness to be part of the ODIs before the South Africa Tests.
The Australian captain said he had a sore toe during the Darwin Test, but all fast bowlers came through unscathed from Bangladesh series.
Australia will play three ODIs against Zimbabwe on September 15, 18, and 20 before heading to South Africa for another ODI series.
Pre-Test preparation
Australia will play their first Test in Durban
After the ODI series against South Africa, which ends on September 30 in Potchefstroom, Australia will have a two-day practice match at the same venue on October 3 and 4.
This will be followed by their first of the three Tests in Durban.
Cummins acknowledged that while Tests are a priority, there is also a strategic element for the 2027 ODI World Cup, where most matches will be held in South Africa with some in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Upcoming selections
Australia's ODI and Test squads for the upcoming series
Australia's ODI squads for the Zimbabwe and South Africa series (and A team squads to visit India) are expected to be named next week.
The Test squad is likely to be announced separately in early September.
Selectors have previously indicated that a handful of players may be prioritized for the four-day leg of the Australia A tour to India over being in the ODI squad with an eye on next year's five-match Border-Gavaskar series.