Cummins prioritizes Test series over ODIs for South Africa tour

Australia captain Pat Cummins has outlined his strategy for the upcoming tour of South Africa, prioritizing the three-Test series as the team's main objective while using the preceding One Day International matches as preparation. The comments came after Australia secured an innings-and-51-run victory over Bangladesh in the second Test in Mackay on August 23, 2026, leveling their two-match series 1-1.

Cummins, who took six wickets in the match, confirmed he plans to play a limited role in the white-ball matches before the Test series. Australia will first play three ODIs against Zimbabwe in Harare starting September 15, followed by three ODIs against South Africa at the end of September. The Test series in South Africa begins in October with matches in Durban, Gqeberha, and Cape Town.

"I think I'll be part of at least some of it. I'm not sure I should say this, but the focus is on the Test series. So a lot of the whiteball series, and how we play that, would be with an eye to the red ball," Cummins said. He indicated he would likely play only one, two, or a maximum of three of the six ODIs. Fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood have also expressed their willingness to...