Pat Cummins Likely To Miss South Africa ODIs Due To Injury

image-llbrv0qrCA have named Pat Cummins as Australia's ODI skipper for SA tour [Source: Twitter]

In what could be a massive setback to Australia's 2023 World Cup preparations, skipper Pat Cummins could miss the upcoming three-match One-Day International (ODI) series in South Africa.

As reported by The West Australian, Cummins' wrist injury is yet to heal completely, and he could return in the three-match ODI series against India in October before the all-important World Cup. Interestingly, Cricket Australia (CA) has already named Cummins as captain for the three-ODI series against hosts South Africa, which starts September 7. 

The 30-year-old hinted at returning for the India series while opening up on the timeline of his comeback.


Here's what Cummins said 

"I'll head over to South Africa at the back-end of that leg. But we're probably looking more at those one-dayers ahead of the World Cup. It shouldn't be too bad. Another few weeks and it'll be right."

It is being speculated that Cummins could give up Australia's ODI captaincy after World Cup and focus on Test leadership, something the bowler did touch upon as well.

"I haven't thought about it too much to be honest. We'll play this World Cup and then assess it after that," he added. 

The fast bowler is already ruled out of the T20I leg of South Africa, with leadership duties being handed over to all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. The T20Is between Australia and South Africa begin on August 30 and will finish on September 3.