Cummins edges towards ODI return in Johannesburg

Pat Cummins trained at the Wanderers on Saturday and is in contention to play his first ODI in two years when Australia face South Africa on Sunday. The Test captain underwent an extensive running session and batted in the nets at altitude ahead of the second match.

Australia's middle order remains a concern after Josh Inglis suffered a broken finger in the first ODI. Matthew Renshaw scored a century against Zimbabwe last week, but the Nos. 3-7 positions have managed only two centuries combined since the 2023 World Cup.

Cummins is expected to play either in Johannesburg or the series finale in Potchefstroom on Wednesday. Xavier Bartlett is also in line for a recall if selectors manage both Starc and Josh Hazlewood's workloads.