Australia captain Pat Cummins is keeping his options open ahead of the must-win clash in the third and final Test against South Africa in Cape Town, with Cameron Green and Josh Inglis expected to be available after recovering from their respective injuries. Australia copped a crushing defeat in the second Test, giving the Proteas an opportunity to level the series 1-1. In the second Test, Australia’s batting attack let them down in the, with South Africa bowling them out for 99 runs in their first innings to gain a major lead. Forced to play follow-on, Australia put in much spirited effort in their second innings but managed 295, with South Africa riding to an innings-and-31-run win. 

“That’s the challenge. It’s not a perfect science,” Cummins said at the post-match press conference. 

“Do you give someone one more game, or do you feel like now is the right time to make a move?”

Cummins also indicated that Australia will not rush into making changes before reaching Cape Town. 

“So that’s what will be spoken about over the next few days. I think we will probably have Cam Green and Josh Inglis available for next week. It’s looking like that, so I’m sure … their names will get thrown around as well when we try and work out 11. But it’s always that delicate balance. Does it feel like someone’s just about to turn the corner, and they’re going to be away, or does it now feel like the right time for a change-up?” Cumins said.

Following the humiliating loss, Cummins expressed hope that the loss would kick the side into gear. 

“I think a loss can sometimes kick yourself into gear. You can maybe … paper over the cracks sometimes in a win, whereas I think in a loss, it makes you ask questions, as a player, of yourself,” Cummins said.

“What could I’ve done differently to try and win? So I imagine tonight won’t be too much. Kind of, everyone is probably a bit emotional after a loss like today. But once we get to Cape Town over the next day or two, we will go to work.

“We’ll have two or three good training sessions. I’m sure the batters will get together, talk about what they could have done differently and how they’re going to plan for Cape Town. Same with the bowlers.

“So probably not much over the next 48 hours. Obviously, it’s not like a home tour where you might be flying people in or out or whatever. Everyone’s here, so we will clear our heads for two days, then we go back in.”