Cricket

Pat Cummins will not play in the first ODI against South Africa, with Mitchell Marsh set to lead Australia into Thursday’s 50-over clash in Durban.

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“Pat’s main focus is the Test group,” Marsh admitted to the media.

“I’m hopeful that he’ll feature in the series at some stage, but while he’s not I’m very happy to do it (captain).”

Asked who will be captain if both men play later in the series, Marsh just smiled.

MORE: Where to watch South Africa vs. Australia: Live stream, TV channel for first ODI in Durban

“I guess we’ll find out when he plays!” Marsh laughed.

With an intense three-match Test series to follow early next month, Australia isn’t alone in managing injuries and workload issues with its top stars including Cameron Green (shoulder) and veteran fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

South Africa has major injury worries within its fast bowling stocks and is set to begin the three-match series minus first-choice quicks Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi who are both struggling with hamstring issues.

Explosive batsman Aiden Markram will also miss the first ODI for ‘personal reasons’.

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“Across the board injuries happen, we’ve had our fair share as well,“ Marsh said of the absences from both sides.

“But what I do know is that whatever XI South Africa names, they’ll come out and play hard cricket and we’re looking forward to that.”

Marsh explained Cameron Green is still recovering from a shoulder issue but, like Cummins, said he hopes the Western Australian will be able to feature at some stage in the series.

The first ODI between Australia and South Africa takes place at Kingsmead in Durban on Thursday with play scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m (AEST).

South Africa ODI squad: 

Temba Bavuma (c), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Duan Jansen, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Nqobani Mokoena, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs

Australia ODI squad: 

Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Marsh, Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Joel Davies, Jack Edwards, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa

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