Pat Cummins hits out at Australian Test shake-up, Labuschagne finally in trouble?

Pat Cummins admitted changes to Australia’s Test side will have to be considered after their 2-1 series defeat to South Africa. With Marnus Labuschagne enduring another difficult run and Steven Smith waiting in the wings, could Australia’s back three finally face the axe?

Australia surrendered a 1-0 lead after losing the last two Tests, falls by 176 runs in Cape Town to hand over the series in South Africa. After the defeat, Cummins acknowledged that the team needed to improve and suggested that both their approach and personnel could be reviewed.

“I think it’s always like that after a losing streak (changes are talked about) and it’s probably fair, we’ve lost two games in a row,” Cummins said. “It’s fair to ask these questions, we’ll be asking them internally as well.”

“We’re a very good side but I think we need to improve a little bit if we want to get back to No.1… so maybe it’s a change of style, maybe it’s a change of personnel in some cases. Give us a couple of weeks and sort it out.”

The defeat in Cape Town was Australia’s third in the last five Tests and fourth in seven matches dating back to the Boxing Day Test against England last season. They also lost their No. 1 position in the ICC Test rankings for the first time since May 2024 and dropped to third in the Test World Cup rankings.

LABUSCHAGNE UNDER PRESSURE

Among those facing questions about his status is Labuschagne, whose struggles have continued in South Africa. The right-hander scored 0 and 4 in Cape Town, taking his run without a Test half-century to 16 innings.

His position could be made even more vulnerable as Steven Smith is expected to return for another Test assignment in Australia if he recovers from his neck injury. A direct replacement would be the easiest solution, although it would also require changing the batting order.

Australia’s batting collapses were a major feature of the series. They were bowled out for 99 in the first innings at St George’s Park before failing to chase down 288 in Cape Town, with Simon Harmer playing a key role in South Africa’s victory.

Cummins admitted that the Australian batsmen made too many bad decisions during the chase.

“There were some bad decisions,” he said. “I know it was a goal on the fifth day but I don’t think it was drastic, there were runs to be scored, there were a lot of balls.

He added that the team needs to improve their game management, especially against a quality bowling attack. “A lot of it was mastering those tempos,” Cummins said. “Maybe we overplayed the turnover, we could have supported the defense a little longer.”

AUSTRALIA’S SIDE TO NEW ZEALAND

Australia’s next test is a four-match series against New Zealand starting in Perth on December 9. Key points ahead of the series will include Smith’s fitness and the selectors’ assessment of the batting order.

Cummins also expressed regret for letting South Africa’s series slip away after taking the lead early on, especially given how rarely this Australian group has the opportunity to tour the country. The defeat leaves the team with a lot to deal with ahead of the New Zealand series, while Labuschagne’s place in the batting order is likely to be one of the biggest selection questions facing the selectors.

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