'There will be some changes': Pat Cummins hints at Test shake-up after South Africa defeat
toi
newspoint|01-11-2026
Australia captain Pat Cummins admitted that the team could make changes after South Africa beat them by 176 runs in the third Test at Newlands on Saturday, sealing the series 2-1.
It was Australia's second successive defeat in the series, with South Africa also moving past them to the top of the International Cricket Council's Test rankings.
"I still think we're a really good side," Cummins told journalists. "Playing the now number one side in their own country we had our moments in every Test."
However, Cummins acknowledged that Australia would need to assess whether changes were required as they prepare for a busy schedule of Test cricket over the next year.
"We'll be asking those questions internally as well," he said. "We need to get better if we want to get back to number one. Maybe there will be some changes in style, changes in the personnel."
Cummins said Australia's chances of chasing the target of 288 were hit hard when Kagiso Rabada took two wickets in the first over of the innings. Rabada picked up another wicket in his opening spell, removing Australia's top three batters and leaving the visitors with a difficult task.
Australia were eventually bowled out for 111, with off-spinner Simon Harmer taking a career-best six for 16 in 21.1 overs.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said the series victory reflected the character of his team. He pointed to the fourth-day partnership between centurions Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder, saying it showed the team's ability to fight back after being behind in the match for the first three days.
"When the batters did what they did, the bowlers had the confidence. The way Rabada started today he got everything going. From then on we were able to keep a tight grip on things."
Bavuma also said Harmer's performance, which earned him the Player of the Match award with figures of 10 for 120, underlined the strength of South Africa's bowling attack.
"It's been the backbone of our team," said Bavuma. "It's been a big part of why we've been successful. When the wicket suits the fast bowlers, we have the guys. And when the spinners come into the game, we also have that ability."
It was Australia's second successive defeat in the series, with South Africa also moving past them to the top of the International Cricket Council's Test rankings.
"I still think we're a really good side," Cummins told journalists. "Playing the now number one side in their own country we had our moments in every Test."
However, Cummins acknowledged that Australia would need to assess whether changes were required as they prepare for a busy schedule of Test cricket over the next year.
"We'll be asking those questions internally as well," he said. "We need to get better if we want to get back to number one. Maybe there will be some changes in style, changes in the personnel."
Cummins said Australia's chances of chasing the target of 288 were hit hard when Kagiso Rabada took two wickets in the first over of the innings. Rabada picked up another wicket in his opening spell, removing Australia's top three batters and leaving the visitors with a difficult task.
Australia were eventually bowled out for 111, with off-spinner Simon Harmer taking a career-best six for 16 in 21.1 overs.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said the series victory reflected the character of his team. He pointed to the fourth-day partnership between centurions Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder, saying it showed the team's ability to fight back after being behind in the match for the first three days.
"When the batters did what they did, the bowlers had the confidence. The way Rabada started today he got everything going. From then on we were able to keep a tight grip on things."
Bavuma also said Harmer's performance, which earned him the Player of the Match award with figures of 10 for 120, underlined the strength of South Africa's bowling attack.
"It's been the backbone of our team," said Bavuma. "It's been a big part of why we've been successful. When the wicket suits the fast bowlers, we have the guys. And when the spinners come into the game, we also have that ability."
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