Why is Pat Cummins not playing 1st SA vs AUS ODI?
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Australia’s Pat Cummins played his last ODI match against Pakistan in November 2024 at Adelaide Oval.
Australia are all set to commence their tour of South Africa with a three-match ODI series followed by three Test matches. The first ODI of the three-match series will be played at the Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on September 24.
Both sides are entering the game with 3-0 triumphs in their last ODI series. Australia secured a 3-0 series win over Zimbabwe, while South Africa secured a 3-0 triumph over Namibia without most of their top-flight players.
Despite recording a whitewash, the Aussies have struggled with the bat. Against Zimbabwe, Cooper Connolly was the only player in the lineup who scored 150 runs. Meanwhile, Sikandar Raza was the top scorer of the series with 183 runs, followed by Craig Ervine, who racked up 156 runs.
Australia’s Nathan Ellis was the highest wicket-taker alongside Zimbabwe’s Brad Evans with nine strikes. Nevertheless, there were three centuries for the ODI world champions, Matt Renshaw, Travis Head, and Josh Inglis.
However, as the Australia look forward to performing better against South Africa, Pat Cummins will miss the first ODI.
What did Pat Cummins miss the first AUS vs SA ODI?
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Pat Cummins will miss the first ODI between Australia and South Africa for tactical reasons and to prepare for the upcoming Test series against the Proteas. The Aussies are currently prioritising test cricket preparations over limited overs.
Australia’s ODI captain, Cummins, and his pace-bowling partner, Mitchell Starc, both missed the ODI tour of Zimbabwe as part of their preparation for the upcoming Tests against South Africa. The three games in the series, played in Durban, Johannesburg, and Potchefstroom, would help the Aussies prepare for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup.
However, despite that, they don’t want to stress their top-flight bowlers through all three games. Pat Cummins could potentially play at least one ODI in the lead-up to the Test series. Meanwhile, Nathan Ellis has emerged as the successor to the current world champions.
Meanwhile, in Pat Cummins’ absence, Mitchell Marsh will continue to lead the Australian cricket team.
When did Pat Cummins last play in an ODI?
Australia’s Pat Cummins played his last ODI match against Pakistan in November 2024 at Adelaide Oval.
Can Pat Cummins return to action in the ODI series against South Africa?
Yes, Cummins could potentially play one ODI before the test series.
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