Pat Cummins is set to miss the first ODI against South Africa as Australia carefully manage their Test fast bowlers before the Tests. He reached South Africa later than Mitchell Starc, and both missed the recent ODI series in Zimbabwe. Josh Hazlewood played just one match there under a management plan.
A staggered plan
Australia could rotate their three Test quicks through the series, with Hazlewood and Starc possibly playing the first and third ODIs and Cummins the middle one. That would avoid back-to-back games for them and ease travel and recovery demands. Cummins had said he might play as few as one ODI before the Tests. The matches in Durban, Johannesburg and Potchefstroom are useful World Cup preparation, but Australia are unlikely to overwork the Test attack.
Cummins remains ODI captain, though his appearances in the format have been limited since the 2023 World Cup. His workload is expected to be managed in later series against England and New Zealand too.
Opening for Ellis
Nathan Ellis stands to gain after a strong display in Zimbabwe and should feature throughout the series. Starc has acknowledged Ellis’ growing case for a first-choice ODI spot before the 2027 World Cup. Ellis can bowl in the middle overs and at the death, although South Africa’s faster, bouncier pitches will test him differently from the slower surfaces where he has done well.
Thin pace depth
Depth is limited. Xavier Bartlett is the other specialist quick after playing two ODIs in Zimbabwe. Billy Stanlake has left the tour with a side strain, and Spencer Johnson has gone home to prepare for Australia A’s 50-over matches in India. Jack Edwards has been added as cover.
Cameron Green’s availability could also shape the side. If he returns for the Durban ODI, competition in the middle order would increase, with Alex Carey among those in the mix.
