Ashes 2025: Pat Cummins Withdraws from South Africa Series, Eyes Ashes Comeback

Australia’s Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins will not take part in the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa, choosing instead to focus on his fitness in preparation for the Ashes later this year. Cummins had already been rested for the ongoing T20I series against the West Indies, a decision that also included Mitchell Starc and Travis Head.

As part of the reshuffle, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who was originally included in the South Africa squad, will also head home after the Test series. Xavier Bartlett, who has been in excellent form, has been brought in as Hazlewood’s replacement and will join the squad in the Caribbean.

Cummins said he would be using the next six weeks to undergo a solid training block, focusing more on gym work than bowling. He mentioned that while his body feels good overall, there are still minor niggles that need attention before the home summer. He anticipates featuring in upcoming series against New Zealand and India and possibly in a Sheffield Shield match before Australia’s home summer begins.

Although Cummins remains Australia’s ODI captain, he has only led the team twice in the format since winning the World Cup in 2023. He also skipped the Champions Trophy earlier this year due to an ankle issue that flared up during the Test series against India.

Meanwhile, Australia is closely monitoring its top-order batting ahead of the Ashes. Sam Konstas has two more innings against the West Indies to solidify his spot, while Usman Khawaja also has the same opportunity to silence critics of his recent form. Cameron Green, who scored a half-century in Grenada, is likely to feature in the South Africa series as he works toward regaining his bowling rhythm.

Green continues to be part of the T20I squad in the West Indies. Konstas is expected to be part of the Australia A tour of India in September. Khawaja might not feature again until Queensland’s domestic season resumes. Cummins acknowledged that while performances in Test cricket always strengthen selection chances, the upcoming summer still feels a bit distant.

Xavier Bartlett comes in with momentum, having picked up 11 wickets in his first seven T20Is at an impressive average of 14.72. He was also a standout in Major League Cricket (MLC) with the San Francisco Unicorns, currently leading the tournament’s wicket-taking chart.

Bartlett will be joined by Jake Fraser-McGurk, who replaces Spencer Johnson. Johnson is recovering from a back injury sustained during the IPL. Fraser-McGurk had a promising start in MLC with the Unicorns but struggled toward the end, scoring four single-digit scores in his last five innings. In T20Is, he has scored 113 runs from seven appearances, with a top score of 50 against Scotland. His IPL stint with the Delhi Capitals was underwhelming, averaging just 9.16, and his BBL season for the Melbourne Renegades was modest as well, with 188 runs at an average of 18.80, most of which came in the final match.

The T20I series against West Indies begins on July 20, with the first two matches scheduled at Sabina Park in Jamaica, followed by three games in St Kitts.