Cummins and Starc left out of Australia XI for second ODI after South Africa’s win at Kingsmead

Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc were omitted from Australia’s side for the second One-Day International of the tour of South Africa, following the opening ODI at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on September 24. The decision comes after South Africa beat Australia by 67 runs in that first match.

Australia are on a tour of South Africa that includes a three-match ODI series followed by three Test matches; the hosts stunned the visitors in the series opener as South Africa thrashed Australia to take a 1-0 lead. Matthew Breetzke slammed 112 off 106 balls and Marco Jansen (75 off 59 and 1/64) played a key role, while Australia, chasing a target of 298, were 129/1 in 16 overs and lost their last nine wickets for just 101 runs.

Cricket Australia have described the omissions of Cummins and Starc as tactical and linked to preparation for the upcoming Test series, with the Aussies prioritising Test cricket over limited-overs matches. Cummins also missed the first game of the series, while Starc featured in the opening ODI but failed to take any wicket.

Both Cummins and Starc had previously missed the ODI tour of Zimbabwe as part of their preparation for the upcoming Tests against South Africa. The three ODIs on this tour are scheduled in Durban, Johannesburg, and Potchefstroom and are being used by Australia as part of their preparation for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup.

Xavier Bartlett has replaced Starc in XI, Nathan Ellis has emerged as the successor to the current world champions, and in Cummins’ absence Mitchell Marsh will continue to lead the Australian cricket team. Australia’s management have indicated they do not want to stress their top-flight bowlers through all three ODI games.

South Africa lead the ODI series 1-0, the tour consists of three ODIs followed by three Test matches, and Cummins could potentially play at least one ODI in the lead-up to the Test series.