Australia captain Pat Cummins is preparing to use the upcoming ODI series against South Africa as an important step towards the Test series that follows. With Australia facing a demanding red-ball schedule, Pat Cummins has indicated that the focus will remain firmly on Test cricket, while the ODIs will provide valuable match practice and preparation for the challenges ahead.
Pat Cummins has played only two ODIs since Australia won the 2023 ODI World Cup, making his possible return to the format an important development. Australia will first travel to Zimbabwe for a three-match ODI series beginning on September 15, followed by matches on September 18 and 20. However, Cummins suggested that he could miss the Zimbabwe leg and instead concentrate on preparing for the South Africa tour.
Pat Cummins Prioritises Test Cricket Ahead of South Africa Tour
Speaking after Australia’s successful Test series against Bangladesh, Cummins made it clear that the upcoming Test assignments are the major priority. He explained that he expects to take part in at least some of the white-ball cricket but said the way Australia approaches those matches would be with an eye on the red-ball series.
Cummins indicated that he could play around one or two ODIs, with a maximum of three, before taking a short break from bowling and continuing his gym work. He said, “We’ll probably all have … a week or two off bowling,” before building up again for the Test series. If he does not play in Zimbabwe, Cummins expects to have an additional week to prepare.
The Australian quicks also appear likely to feature in the South Africa ODIs. Mitchell Starc has played nine ODIs since the 2023 World Cup, while Josh Hazlewood has featured in 11 during the same period. Their involvement would give Australia an opportunity to manage workloads while maintaining preparation for the Test matches.
Australia Face Strong South Africa Challenge
The ODI series against South Africa is scheduled to finish on September 30 in Potchefstroom, after which Australia will play a two-day practice match at the same venue on October 3 and 4. The first Test will then take place in Durban, making the ODI and practice match an important part of Australia’s transition into the longer format.
Pat Cummins acknowledged the quality of the South African team and the difficulty of playing Test cricket in their home conditions. Reflecting on their recent encounters, Pat Cummins said South Africa are “a really strong side” and noted that Australia had performed exceptionally well against them at home before South Africa responded with a victory at Lord’s in the World Test Championship final.
The Australian captain also highlighted the difference in conditions across South Africa. He pointed out that venues such as Durban and Cape Town can offer very different pitches, making adaptability a key factor. “That’s why I love playing Test cricket,” Cummins said, emphasising the challenge of facing different conditions and opponents around the world.
ODIs Could Help Australia Prepare for 2027 World Cup
Although Test cricket remains Cummins’ immediate priority, the ODI series also has significance for Australia’s long-term plans. The 2027 ODI World Cup will be hosted mainly in South Africa, with Zimbabwe and Namibia also involved, meaning Australia’s upcoming white-ball matches could provide useful experience in conditions similar to those expected at the tournament.
Australia are also facing an extremely busy Test schedule, with the team set to play as many as potential 19 Tests across a 12-month period. Managing workloads will therefore be crucial for Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and the rest of Australia’s pace attack.
The South Africa tour will be Australia’s first Test series in the country since 2018, although they returned for white-ball cricket in 2020 and 2023. South Africa also defeated Australia in the previous World Test Championship final, adding further importance to the upcoming contest.
Australia’s ODI squads for Zimbabwe and South Africa, along with an Australia A squad scheduled to tour India, are expected to be announced before the Test squad. With Cummins carefully balancing white-ball commitments and his red-ball workload, the South Africa ODIs could become more than just another limited-overs series—they may serve as the perfect bridge into a major Test challenge.