Australia captain Pat Cummins is under pressure following a disappointing series against South Africa, raising concerns about the team's future performance. England will be looking to exploit these weaknesses in their upcoming tour.

Australia's recent Test series against South Africa has highlighted significant challenges for the team, particularly for captain Pat Cummins. Following their defeat, Cummins faces scrutiny regarding his performance and the overall direction of the squad as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.

What happened

In a gripping series that concluded with South Africa's victory, Australia lost their position at the top of the Test rankings for the first time in over two years. Cummins, who has captained the side since 2021, struggled throughout the series, ending with a bowling average of 53.66. This marks one of his worst performances, as he went over 62 overs without taking a wicket during crucial moments. His tactical decisions, such as opting to bowl first in the final Test, also drew criticism, raising questions about his leadership.

Why it matters

As England gears up for their tour of South Africa and next summer's Ashes series, the weaknesses displayed by Australia present potential opportunities. England's own spin bowling dilemma has been exacerbated by South Africa's success, particularly highlighted by off-spinner Simon Harmer's impressive performance in the final Test. With Cummins’ recent struggles and an aging bowling attack, England will aim to capitalize on these vulnerabilities in the upcoming matches.