Cummins concerns and weaknesses to target - takeaways from SA-Australia
Following a series loss to South Africa, Australia's cricket team faces scrutiny regarding their ageing bowling attack and captain Pat Cummins' recent performance. Analysts are questioning the team's tactical direction as they prepare for future international tours.
Why it matters
The decline of a top-ranked sports team provides insight into the lifecycle of professional athletic squads and the pressures of international sports leadership.
If England fans were in any doubt over the difficulty of this winter's trip to South Africa, they should be no more.
The superb Proteas completed victory on the final day of their enthralling series against Australia to reaffirm their status as the best side in the world.
The contest was packed with subplots, many of which are relevant to England for their upcoming tour and next summer's Ashes series beyond.
Australia captain Pat Cummins maintained they are still a "really good side" after the defeat.
It is undeniable they stand at an intriguing point in their development, however.
Knocked off the top of the Test rankings for the first time in two and a half years, they have an ageing bowling attack and a batting line-up caught between generations.
And for the first time in his career there is attention on Cummins himself.
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