Under Pat Cummins, Australia lifted 2023 World Cup | Source- AFP
The last fortnight has been rather dramatic for Australia, losing to Bangladesh in Darwin before the Pat Cummins-led side had a statement-making victory at Mackay.
As the Aussies fittingly answered their doubters, they are scheduled to fly to the South African continent for their next assignment: an ODI series vs Zimbabwe and a multi-format series against South Africa.
Although Australia have a break of nearly a month before the next tour, skipper Cummins has opened up about his future in the ODI format.
Pat Cummins opens up about his ODI future
Ahead of Australia's next assisgnment, Pat Cummins spoke about his future in the ODI format, especially after playing just two matches since the 2023 World Cup triumph. In his absence, Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis have stepped up as stand-in captains.
"I think I'll be part of at least some of it. I'm not sure I should say this, but think the focus is on the Test series. So a lot of the white-ball [series], and how we play that, would be with an eye to the red ball. So I'd imagine it'd be one, two, probably a maximum of three games out of those six," Pat Cummins said after the conclusion of AUS vs BAN Tests.
Also Read: Mitchell Starc Sends Clear Message On Australia Retirement
Furthermore, the Australian captain hinted not featuring in the three-match ODIs vs Zimbabwe, succeeding the white-ball leg of the South African tour.
"We'll probably all have, I imagine, a week or two off bowling, still do your gym work, and then we'll start building up for that series. I'll probably have an extra week here if I don't play the Zimbabwe [matches]."
ODIs not a priority for Australia and Pat Cummins?
With the 2027 World Cup just around the corner, the defending champions are scheduled to play just nine ODI matches before the end of this year.
Meanwhile, Australia's and Pat Cummins’ priority heading forward is clear: the team is slated to play 21 Tests in the next 12 months.
Interestingly, the Australian skipper has played just two ODI matches since the 2023 World Cup final at Ahmedabad. Whereas his partners-in-crime, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, haven't been regular either, playing just nine and seven matches, respectively.
Notably, the fast-bowling trio missed the 2025 Champions Trophy, where Australia were knocked out in the semifinals by India.
Since winning the 2023 World Cup, Australia have lost more than they won, which means CA will hope to have all three pacers fully fit and firing for the marquee 2027 World Cup.
CA to train next crop of batters in Tests, ODI
Notably, CA has yet to announce squads for the white-ball series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, as well as for the much-awaited Test series against the Proteas.
That said, Australia could undergo massive changes to their Test setup, especially after they were beaten by Bangladesh in Darwin, which resulted in Jake Weatherald losing his berth. A question mark has been raised on Marnus Labuschagne’s name, who has been averaging just over 27.3 since July 2023.
Labuschagne’s dip in form has caused a bit of hara-kiri in the Australian ecosystem, as the younger guns like Oliver Peake, Kurtis Patterson and Nathan McSweeney are being fast-tracked, with the 19-year-old batter potentially becoming a regular part of the ODI set-up too, starting from the upcoming white-ball tour.
Also Read: RCB Member Backed For CSK Head Coach Role By Matthew Hayden Before IPL 2027
