'Cameron Green, Josh Inglis': Pat Cummins hints at major changes in Australia XI after 2nd Test loss, issues warning to Marnus Labuschagne originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Pat Cummins has hinted at changes to Australia's XI after their innings-and-31-run defeat to South Africa in the second Test.
- Cameron Green and Josh Inglis could return for the Cape Town decider after recovering from injuries.
- Marnus Labuschagne is under pressure, with the Aussie skipper warning that scores in the 30s are not enough in Test cricket.
- Nic Maddinson and Beau Webster could also face selection pressure ahead of the final Test.
MORE:LIST: Instances when Australia have lost by an innings in Tests
Cummins hints at changes in Australia XI in 3rd Test as Green and Inglis near returns
Australia experienced a nightmare second Test after winning the first match of the series by 214 runs. The hosts bounced back in style in Gqeberha as they equalised the series with an innings and 31 runs victory.
After the embarassing loss in the second match, Australia captain Pat Cummins hinted at some major changes in their starting XI.
Speaking about the third Test against South Africa, Cummins said that the team would evaluate its options, with Cameron Green and Josh Inglis expected to play in the decider in Cape Town.
"It’s always that delicate balance," Cummins said.
"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?
“So that’s what will be spoken about in the next few days.
“We’ll probably have Cam Green and Josh Inglis be available for next week. I’m sure their names will get thrown around when we try to work out an XI.”
Green would make a comeback as a batter only due to his recent injury issues, while Inglis presents an extra option with the bat after the innings-and-31-run defeat in Gqeberha.
Nic Maddinson, who has found form difficult in the first two Tests, is one of the players under pressure. Beau Webster's role could also be looked at as Australia look to determine their ideal lineup for the crucial match.
Meanwhile, Nathan Lyon might make a return if spin comes into play in Cape Town, which may lead to leaving out Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood or Mitchell Starc from the playing XI. Boland took 5-81 in the second innings and was involved in batting, playing 166 balls to fight for a draw.
MORE:'Where is Lyon?': Warner in loss of words as Cummins uses Renshaw as spin option
Pat Cummins sends warning to Marnus Labuschagne after another failure
Getty Images
Former world No. 1 Test batter Marnus Labuschagne recorded just one century in his last 69 Tests, with six of his last nine innings ranging from 30 to 49.
Labuschagne’s dismissal in the second innings of the 2nd Test proved costly when he tried to hit the spinning bowler Simon Harmer at 1-100.
“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,” Cummins continued.
"He’s got to find a way to turn those into bigger scores. Thirties aren’t going to win you too many matches.
"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."
With Australia having only the Cape Town Test left to play, Labuschagne's spot may be in danger.
"It’s one Test left in the series, we’ve got to win this. And then obviously there’s a bit of a break before the summer."
MORE:Bavuma Test captaincy record detailed: Wins, losses and draws
When is the Australia vs South Africa 3rd Test?
The third and final Test series between Australia and South Africa will be played at Newlands in Cape Town, South Africa, from October 27-31, 2026.
Australia started off well in the first Test and won by 214 runs but South Africa made a strong comeback in Gqeberha and the series is tied 1-1 now. This implies that the third and final Test will be decisive for the series.
MORE:SA vs AUS 3rd Test date and venue: Details for the series decider
Australia must fix batting woes ahead of Cape Town decider
Australia's loss in Gqeberha has revealed the weaknesses of the Australian batting line-up ahead of the series decider. Both Cameron Green and Josh Inglis can provide good alternatives, but even that would not fix Australia's issues as it stands now.
Given the failures of Labuschagne in converting his starts and the poor form of Maddinson and Beau Webster, the selectors need to make difficult decisions without having to make any drastic changes.
For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary and to share your voice, head to our Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) pages.