Australia ODI captain Pat Cummins is expected to miss the opening match of the upcoming series against <a href="https://cricket.international/david-miller-gives-update-on-south-africa-future-after-contract-snub/" title="David Miller gives update on South Africa future after contract snub”>South Africa in Durban after arriving later than his teammates. The team management is planning to carefully manage the workloads of Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood ahead of the Test series.
As per the schedule, the series will be played in Durban, Johannesburg, and Potchefstroom from September 24 to 30. It will also give Australia valuable preparation ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Africa. However, the coaching staff does not want the three premier fast bowlers to play three matches in seven days.
Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood Unlikely to Play 3 ODIs
Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc missed Australia’s recent ODI series in Zimbabwe as part of their preparation for the Test series against South Africa. Cummins has already indicated that he could play only one ODI ahead of the three Tests.
Josh Hazlewood played only one of the three ODIs in Zimbabwe under a similar workload-management plan. Australia are now considering using Starc and Hazlewood in the first and third ODIs in South Africa, with Cummins potentially playing the second match.
Nathan Ellis Eyes Regular ODI Spot
The rotation of Australia’s Test quicks could give Nathan Ellis the chance to play all three ODIs in South Africa. Starc backed Ellis after his performances in Zimbabwe and said the fast bowler was pushing for a place in Australia’s first-choice ODI XI for the 2027 World Cup.
“I think he’s grown into himself as a confident ODI bowler over the last few years, and it’s great to see him get that reward in the series,” Starc said in Durban.
“He probably led the attack in the absence of Josh playing one game, Pat and I not over there, so really pushing his case as a lock as a pick in the one-day team, and no doubt he’ll look to perform in these three as well.”
Ellis’ role could become more complicated when all three Test quicks are available. He operates as a first-change bowler and is used through the middle overs and at the death. Starc and Hazlewood are primarily new-ball bowlers. Hazlewood has rarely bowled at the death since the 2023 World Cup.
Pat Cummins’ Captaincy and Australia’s Fast-Bowling Cover
Pat Cummins remains Australia’s ODI captain but has led the team in only two matches since the 2023 World Cup. Mitchell Marsh became the official deputy after Steven Smith retired from ODI cricket in 2025.
With Cummins expected to play only a limited number of ODIs before the 2027 World Cup, Marsh could take on more captaincy duties. Cummins is also expected to be managed during Australia’s ODI series against England in November and New Zealand next August because of his Test workload.
Australia have limited fast-bowling cover in South Africa. Xavier Bartlett is the only other specialist quick in the squad after Billy Stanlake left the tour with a side strain. Spencer Johnson was also sent home to rest ahead of Australia A’s three 50-over matches against India A in October.
All-rounder Jack Edwards has been added to the squad as cover because Cameron Green is managing a shoulder issue that kept him out of the Zimbabwe ODIs. If Green returns in Durban, Australia will face a selection squeeze in the middle order, with Alex Carey also under pressure to retain his place.
Source: cricketaddictor.com
