Cummins Returns to ODIs, Focus on Australia’s Test Selection
He also noted that Marnus Labuschagne could potentially open the batting to accommodate McSweeney at No. 3, where he normally bats in first-class cricket for South Australia.
Australia captain Pat Cummins is set to return to international cricket in the first ODI of the summer against Pakistan on Monday at the MCG, marking his first appearance since June’s T20 World Cup. However, most of the attention remains on Australia A’s ongoing matches against India A, which could help decide the final spot in Australia's Test squad for the upcoming series.
Four players—Marcus Harris, Nathan McSweeney, Sam Konstas, and Cameron Bancroft—are vying for the last batting position in the Test lineup. McSweeney’s standout performance in the recent Australia A game, where he scored 88 not out, places him as a strong contender, while Harris managed starts in both innings, and Konstas and Bancroft struggled.
Cummins emphasized that these games provide a "final piece of information" for selectors but aren’t the sole determinant. "It’s never as clean cut as a bat-off," he explained, adding that while these performances hold weight, experience and other factors also influence selection. The pressure of these games can mimic Test conditions, helping players prepare for the intensity of a debut.
He also noted that Marnus Labuschagne could potentially open the batting to accommodate McSweeney at No. 3, where he normally bats in first-class cricket for South Australia. “We think the place where you bat isn’t that important,” said Cummins, suggesting flexibility in the batting order if needed.
Cummins himself is feeling refreshed after opting out of Australia’s recent UK tour to focus on a rigorous training block. He skipped the domestic Shield game to prioritize strength building, explaining, “I feel like the ODIs will give me a good lead-in, and we’ll make sure we do loads of red-ball work before the Test.”
As for the ODI series, Cummins might sit out the final game in Perth to avoid a long return flight right before the Test series. In his absence, a new captain will be needed, with vice-captain Mitchell Marsh unavailable due to paternity leave. Josh Inglis and Matt Short are top candidates to lead, with Australia’s new T20I captain also set to be announced soon.
This series of decisions aims to balance Australia’s immediate ODI objectives while preparing for the crucial Test series ahead.
