![Pat Cummins reveals squad updates for 3rd Test vs SA [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1792764757281_PatCumminsCameronGreen.jpg?type=hq)
Pat Cummins reveals squad updates for 3rd Test vs SA [Source: AFP]
Australia's tour of South Africa will move to Cape Town for the third and final Test after the hosts levelled the series in Gqeberha. The visitors have fallen short with the bat in both Tests so far, and captain Pat Cummins has spoken openly about the issue after their innings defeat in the second Test.
Cameron Green and Josh Inglis were unavailable for selection for the first two Tests, and the former's absence significantly weakened their lineup, which was very evident. Cummins provided an update on their fitness ahead of the series decider.
Pat Cummins speaks on Cam Green and Josh Inglis status
In the lead-up to the Test series, Cameron Green suffered an abdominal injury in the third ODI earlier in September, while Josh Inglis sustained a blow to the right index finger and fractured it. The respective injuries kept the middle-order bats out of the team, but in the aftermath of Australia's loss in Gqeberha, Cummins said they are likely to be available for Cape Town.
The experiment to bring Nic Maddinson back to the Tests after almost a decade has backfired, with the opener scoring two ducks, 48 and 8 across four innings. Green and Inglis' availability will mean Australia could shake up the opening combination again, but Cummins refrained from revealing too much about the situation.
"It’s always that delicate balance. Do you feel like someone’s just about to turn the corner and they’re going to be away? Or does it now feel like the right time for change? We’ll probably have Cam Green and Josh Inglis available for next week. I’m sure their names will get thrown around when we try to work out an XI," Cummins said.
Captain asks Labuschagne to convert the starts
Marnus Labuschagne was once the world number 1 Test batter, but the Aussie number 3 has been far from convincing for over two to three years. He last scored a Test century back in July 2023 and was also briefly dropped from the team before his comeback after a good spell of a few games for Queensland in 2025.
However, the runs have dried up again, and despite getting in and scoring three 30s, facing over 350 balls in the series, he has managed to throw the wicket away. Cummins noted his lack of judgement of the situation and poor shots and asked him to convert these starts into big scores.
"The hardest thing about opening or batting No.3 is actually getting yourself in. So he’s actually doing the hard bit. He’s getting to thirties. He’s got to find a way to turn those into bigger scores. Thirties aren’t going to win you too many matches," Cummins admitted.
"It’s certainly not a technique error. It’s maybe some decisions where the game demands something a little bit different. We’ll work on that, he’s hitting the ball well," the captain concluded.
The final Test of the series will be played from October 27 to 31, and with the full squad set to be available, it will be interesting what combination Australia goes with. If Maddinson and Labuschagne sit out, we could see the Druban centurion Matthew Renshaw back as opener, while Green and Inglis could slot in at 3 and 5, respectively.
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