Why are Pat Cummins & Mitchell Starc not playing 2nd SA vs AUS ODI?
Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc have been the backbone for Australia acorss formats.
Australia are all on their tour of South Africa with a three-match ODI series followed by three Test matches. The first ODI of the three-match series was played at the Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on September 24, where the hosts stunned opposition.
South Africa thrashed Australia in the first game of the three-match ODI series and recorded a 67-run win to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Matthew Breetzke slammed a brilliant 112 off 106 balls. Marco Jansen (75 off 59 and 1/64) also played a key role in the win. Chasing the target of 298, Australia were 129/1 in 16 overs and lost their last nine wickets for just 101 runs.
The middle order collapsed badly for them. They would now be keen to level the series and come up with better performance in second ODI. However, their captain Pat Cummins, who was expected to play, yet again missed out. Not only this, Mitchell Starc also was left out.
Why are Pat Cummins & Mitchell Starc not playing second SA vs AUS ODI?
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Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc have been benched 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. While Cummins missed first game also, Starc featured in opening game but failed to take any wicket.
Australia’s ODI captain, Cummins, and his pace-bowling partner, 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. 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. Xavier Bartlett has replaced Starc in XI.
Meanwhile, in Cummins’ absence, Mitchell Marsh will continue to lead the Australian cricket team.
Who is leading South Africa vs Australia ODI series?
South Africa are 1-0 ahead in the series.
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