Australia’s innings defeat to South Africa at St George’s Park has prompted Pat Cummins to concede that changes could be made for next week’s series decider in Cape Town.
The captain said Australia were “nowhere near our best” after they collapsed on the fourth day, losing 13 wickets in a display he accepted had been uncompetitive. The match was over shortly after three full days of play, despite South Africa having been reduced to 110 for six early on the third day.
“Disappointment for sure. I think we were nowhere near our best, across the board really,” Cummins said. “Clearly need to be a lot better than that. We want to compete.”
Travis Head’s century and Scott Boland’s determined 166-ball resistance stood out amid a succession of poor shots from Australia’s other batters. Cummins also acknowledged Vernon Philander’s description of the fourth-day batting as “gutless”.
“You saw today with Travis and Scotty, sometimes it’s going to be about getting through the tough spells, sticking to your method, and I think we went away from that on day four,” he said. “A couple [of] loose shots when we could have hung around and kind of waited to get the game to come to us a little bit more.”
Australia changes under consideration for Cape Town
Nic Maddinson, Beau Webster and Marnus Labuschagne are among those whose places will be examined by the selectors. Labuschagne has repeatedly made starts without converting them into substantial scores, while Maddinson and Webster struggled to establish themselves in South Africa.
Cummins defended Labuschagne’s ability to get in against the new ball but said the batter needed to turn scores in the thirties into bigger contributions.
“I think he’s got to find a way to turn those into bigger scores,” Cummins said. “You know, 30s aren’t going to win you too many matches.”
He added that Labuschagne’s difficulties were not the result of a technical flaw, but possibly of decisions that did not match the demands of the match.
Australia will also consider whether to bring Cameron Green and Josh Inglis into the side, with both expected to be available for the decider. Cooper Connolly is another player pushing for selection.
“Do you give someone one more game, or do you feel like now is the right time to make a move?” Cummins said. “That’s what will be spoken about over the next few days.”
Boland’s place and Lyon’s possible return
The make-up of the bowling attack will also be discussed. Boland was Australia’s outstanding performer in defeat, taking five wickets and then producing a stubborn innings after offering to act as nightwatchman following a 20-over spell.
“I don’t think you can do much more,” Cummins said. “Five-for, pick of the bowlers. You know how gritty he was with this batting innings.”
Josh Hazlewood may require a rest after battling illness during the match, while Nathan Lyon’s return will be considered. Lyon was left out as conditions offered limited assistance to spin, with heavy cloud covering much of the game.
Cummins said Lyon had accepted the decision despite not being pleased to miss out, and that his selection would depend on conditions in Cape Town, the players’ recovery and the likely demands of the next Test.
