Cummins returns to ODI cricket but yields captaincy to Marsh
Cummins returned to ODI cricket after almost two years away, though Mitch Marsh remained captain.
Pat Cummins played his first ODI in almost two years against South Africa at Potchefstroom in an unusual arrangement. Mitch Marsh stayed as skipper even though Cummins normally leads.
Australia wanted continuity after Marsh led the team through five recent ODIs and wanted Cummins focused on the Test series starting next week. Mitchell Starc also returned while Josh Hazlewood was managed out.
Ollie Peake was recalled to bat at number four after impressing against Zimbabwe. South Africa, already 2-0 up in the series, rested skipper Temba Bavuma and replaced him with Aiden Markram.
The home side won the toss and chose to bowl first on a damp outfield.
- almost two years
- Cummins' absence
- South Africa 2-0 up
- Series position
- Potchefstroom
- Venue
- bowl first
- Markram's decision
Why it mattersThis dead-rubber match lets Australia test combinations and manage player workload ahead of a critical Test series, while showing how Cummins and Marsh share leadership.
AustraliaAustralian cricket fans tracking the team's tour get to see Cummins back in white-ball action as Australia builds toward Test cricket, where the real contest begins.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
