Cummins Keeps Dual-Spin Option Open as Australia Delay Durban Test XI Until the Toss

Australia will not reveal their team until the toss for Friday's first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead, with captain Pat Cummins confirming a second spinner remains firmly in the frame. South Africa named their side two hours earlier, with the spin pair of Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer included on a surface expected to turn. Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann is the leading contender to partner Nathan Lyon if the tourists decide Kingsmead will grip. "They could definitely both play," Cummins said on Thursday. "Kuhney brings something a little bit different to Nathan, obviously spinning the ball away from the right-handers. They are both really well placed." Coach Andrew McDonald and selector George Bailey inspected the pitch closely before the final optional session. Head walked the surface barefoot, finding an even cover of browned grass with small cracks already forming. Cummins, who played Australia's most recent Durban Test — the infamous 2018 opener — says he feels "physically fresh" ahead of the three-Test series. Batting allrounder Cooper Connolly, another spin option, trained after leaving a session in a mask with what is understood to be a head cold. The first Test begins at 9:30am local time on Friday.