Cummins eyes ODI return ahead of ‘big’ South Africa Test series
Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins has confirmed his intention to prioritize the upcoming Test series in South Africa over limited-overs matches. He plans to use a few ODI games as preparation for the red-ball series, which carries significant weight following past controversies and recent championship losses.
Why it matters
The report highlights the ongoing tension between the commercial demands of white-ball cricket and the traditional prestige of Test match cricket for elite athletes.
Skipper Pat Cummins said he “can’t wait” to play in Australia’s first Test series in South Africa since the infamous “Sandpapergate” affair, and he intends to use one-day games beforehand to prepare.
The next assignment for Australia after drawing a two-Test series against Bangladesh is three ODIs in Zimbabwe and another three in South Africa in late September.
They then play Tests in Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town in October.
Cummins indicated he could miss the Zimbabwe leg, but would make himself available for some of the South Africa white-ball games.
It is likely to be a similar scenario for fellow quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
“I’m not sure I should say this, but I think the focus is on the Test series,” said Cummins after their innings and 51-run thrashing of Bangladesh in Mackay on Sunday (August 23, 2026).
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