'While he is not playing, I am pretty happy to captain Australia in ODIs' - Mitchell Marsh on Pat Cummins' absence in 1st ODI vs South Africa

Australia and South Africa meet in the first of three ODIs at Kingsmead, Durban on Thursday, September 24, 2026, with the series serving as important reconnaissance for Australia ahead of the 2027 World Cup. The three-match ODI contest precedes a Test series that holds greater immediate significance in the race for the World Test Championship final.

Pat Cummins arrived late to South Africa and is being managed alongside Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood across the three ODIs, with the Test group taking priority in the tour schedule. Mitchell Marsh, who took over as ODI deputy following Steven Smith's retirement in 2025, will lead Australia in the opening match.

"Pat's main focus is the Test group. I'm hopeful that he'll feature in the series at some stage, but while he's not I'm very happy to do it (captain)," Marsh told the media ahead of the first ODI versus South Africa, indicating that the captaincy arrangement for later ODIs would depend on Cummins' availability and involvement in the series.

Cummins has played only two ODIs out of a possible 31 since leading Australia to the 2023 World Cup title. His last appearance in the 50-over format came almost two years ago in a nine-wicket loss to Pakistan in Adelaide during November 2024, making this tour a significant return to ODI cricket for the fast bowler.

When asked whether he would hand over the captaincy if Cummins became available for later matches, Marsh responded with candour about the uncertainty.

"I guess we’ll find out when he plays!" the opening batter and T20I skipper said.

Cummins' workload management and Marsh's captaincy role

Both teams face injury challenges heading into the series. South Africa is without Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, who are managing hamstring issues, while Aiden Markram is unavailable due to personal reasons. Australia has dealt with Cameron Green's shoulder injury and continues to manage the workload of key fast bowlers.

Marsh acknowledged the broader injury landscape affecting both squads as they prepare for the opening match.

"Across the board injuries happen, we've had our fair share as well," Marsh said. "But what I do know is that whatever XI South Africa names, they'll come out and play hard cricket and we're looking forward to that," Marsh stated.