Skipper Pat Cummins said he “can’t wait” to play in Australia’s first Test series in South Africa since the infamous “Sandpapergate” affair, and he intends to use one-day games beforehand to prepare.
The number three made just 36 runs in three knocks against Bangladesh and has not scored a century since 2023.
Cummins called the series “big” with revenge on his mind after Australia lost the World Test Championship final to the Proteas at Lord’s last year. “We had a big series against them a couple of years ago in Australia (in 2022-23) and we probably exceeded expectations and played really well,” said Cummins of their 2-0 series win.
Cummins, who remains Australia’s official ODI captain, has played just two from a possible 28 matches in the format since the 2023 World Cup. Steve Smith was banned for a year and sacked as captain after conspiring to alter the ball using sandpaper during the third Test in Cape Town, while David Warner was suspended for 12 months.
“I’m not sure I should say this, but I think the focus is on the Test series,” said Cummins after their innings and 51-run thrashing of Bangladesh in Mackay on Sunday (August 23, 2026). Hazlewood told reporters in Mackay he too expected to play some of the 50-over series while Starc said he would “do what he’s told”.