Cummins likely to miss first ODI with quicks prioritising Test preparations

Australia ODI captain Pat Cummins is likely to sit out the first ODI against South Africa in Durban on Thursday after arriving later than teammate Mitchell Starc. Australian team management plans to rotate their frontline pace trio of Cummins, Starc, and Josh Hazlewood across the three-game series. The decision prioritizes their fitness and preparation for the upcoming Test series, which carries major World Test Championship implications.

Cummins previously indicated he might feature in only one ODI during the tour. A potential plan could see Starc and Hazlewood feature in the first and third matches, while Cummins plays solely in the second fixture. Meanwhile, fast bowler Nathan Ellis is expected to play all three matches following a strong performance in Zimbabwe, continuing to push for regular selection ahead of the 2027 World Cup.