Pat Cummins eyes ODI return ahead of South Africa Test series

Pat Cummins said he is targeting a return to ODI cricket ahead of Australia's three-Test series against South Africa in September and October. The next assignment for Australia after drawing a two-Test series against Bangladesh are three ODIs in Zimbabwe and another three in South Africa in late September.

Cummins knows the South Africa tour matters more than the Bangladesh series. South Africa's varied conditions and quality attack will test Australia in ways Bangladesh could not. The WTC math is unforgiving, and Australia cannot afford slip-ups when they head to Johannesburg.

Australia wrapped up an innings and 51-run victory over Bangladesh in two days in Mackay. The quick win gave Australia early breathing room, but Cummins said the real work starts in October.