Cummins edges towards ODI comeback in South Africa
Cummins trained with the bat and is close to an ODI return as Australia address middle-order concerns in South Africa.
Pat Cummins firmed to play his first ODI in two years as Australia prepared for the second match against South Africa in Johannesburg on Sunday. The Test captain batted in the nets at the Wanderers after a lengthy running session and shapes as a likely inclusion, if not on Sunday then certainly in Wednesday's series finale in Potchefstroom. Xavier Bartlett will also be in line for a recall if selectors manage both Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
Australia's middle order remains a concern after Josh Inglis suffered a broken finger. Matthew Renshaw scored a century from number six against Zimbabwe last week, but the onus is on him and the rest of the middle order to perform against one of world cricket's best white-ball outfits. No ODI team has a lower average than Australia's 21.73 against orthodox spin since the 2023 World Cup.
Adam Zampa said the middle order needs to learn how to navigate difficult situations after the chase of 298 collapsed in Durban. Australia's numbers three through seven in the batting line-up will have no remaining members from their 2023 World Cup final win in those positions.