Mitchell Marsh to captain Australia in first ODI against South Africa

Mitchell Marsh will continue as Australia's captain for the first ODI against South Africa at Kingsmead on Thursday despite the arrival of official skipper Pat Cummins. Cummins has been rested to manage his workload ahead of the three-Test series that begins next month.

Marsh led Australia in a three-match ODI series in Zimbabwe last week, securing two comfortable wins and one last-ball victory. He said Cummins' main focus remains the Test group and that he is happy to lead in the 50-over matches until Cummins is available.

Cummins could return for one or both of the remaining ODIs in Johannesburg on Sunday and Potchefstroom next week. The series forms part of Australia's preparation for the 2027 World Cup co-hosted by South Africa.