Cummins reveals plan to turn South Africa ODIs into Test preparation

Australia captain Pat Cummins has indicated he will use the upcoming one-day international series against South Africa in late September to prepare for their three-Test series, with fellow fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood expected to follow a similar workload plan.

Likely to Skip Zimbabwe Tour: Cummins revealed he expects to play a maximum of one to three matches across Australia's six scheduled ODIs in Africa, making it likely he will skip the earlier three-match series in Zimbabwe (September 15–20) to focus on workload management and red-ball preparation.

Test Series Priority: With Australia facing up to 21 Tests in a 12-month period, Cummins emphasized that white-ball scheduling will be managed with an eye on red-ball readiness. Starc and Hazlewood are also expected to play a reduced role in the ODIs ahead of the Test leg.

First Test Tour to South Africa Since 2018: The tour marks Australia's first Test series in South Africa since 2018. Following the final ODI on September 30 in Potchefstroom, Australia will play a two-day warm-up match before heading to Durban for the first Test.

2027 World Cup Preparation: While the upcoming Tests remain the immediate priority, playing white-ball cricket in South Africa also offers crucial early preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.