Cummins Admits Australia Face "Shambolic" Selection Calls After South Africa Level Test Series

Australia captain Pat Cummins admitted his side can no longer "paper over the cracks" after a stunning innings-and-31-run defeat to South Africa in the second Test at St George's Park in Gqeberha on Thursday levelled the three-match series at 1-1. Bowled out for 99 in the first innings and dismissed for 295 following on, Australia suffered their first innings defeat since 2023, despite a defiant 121 from Travis Head and an unbeaten 40 from Scott Boland.

"Clearly need to be a lot better than that if we want to compete," Cummins said. "I think a loss can sometimes kick you into gear. Whereas I think in a loss, it makes you ask questions of yourself as a player."

The defeat has left at least three places in doubt for the series decider starting October 27 at Newlands in Cape Town. Marnus Labuschagne has gone three years without a Test century, recently recalled opener Nic Maddinson managed 0, 48, 0 and 8 across the two Tests, and Beau Webster appears vulnerable after low scores. All-rounder Cameron Green is expected to be available for Cape Town after missing the first two Tests through injury, while Josh Inglis is also fit and Cooper Connolly is another option.

Much will hinge on the Newlands surface as Australia weigh whether to recall spinner Nathan Lyon or back the pace-heavy attack, with Boland's five-wicket first-innings haul making him hard to drop. The result also reshuffled the World Test Championship race, with Australia holding a 75 points percentage ahead of New Zealand and South Africa at 66.67.