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Australia to bench Pat Cummins for 1st ODI against South Africa

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 23, 2026, 8:37 AM

Last updated Sep 23, 2026

Australia to bench Pat Cummins for 1st ODI against South Africa

Summary

Pat Cummins will miss Australia's opening ODI against South Africa in Durban on September 23 as part of a rotation strategy for fast bowlers. The decision prioritizes upcoming Test matches in the World Test Championship over the ODI series. Australia aims to manage the workload of Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, all key players for the national team. Nathan Ellis, who performed impressively in Zimbabwe, may seize the opportunity to secure a spot in the World Cup squad. The rotation approach raises questions about team's depth and injury management ahead of crucial tests.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Cummins arrives in South Africa later than Starc.
•Ellis aims for a permanent World Cup spot based on recent performances.
•Australia's strategy emphasizes managing pace bowlers leading into Tests.
•Rotation plan involves sharing matches among senior fast bowlers.
•The ODI series serves as a preparation for the 2027 World Cup.

Latest Updates

8:37 AMYahoo Sports — Fast bowler rotation plan revealed: Why Australia are ready to bench Pat Cummins for 1st ODI vs South Africa

What they're saying

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Pat Cummins is set to miss Australia's 1st ODI against South Africa in Durban as the pace trio is rotated to prioritise the upcoming World Test Championship series.
— Yahoo Sports

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