Australia weigh changes for Cape Town decider after South Africa rout

Oct 22 : Australia will have some hard decisions to make over the weekend as they lick their wounds after a bruising loss in the second test against South Africa and consider their line-up for the series-deciding clash next week.

Defeat by an innings and 31 runs in Gqeberha has left several players’ places in jeopardy and given the selectors plenty to ponder before the third test starts in Cape Town on Tuesday.

Australia are not known for making knee-jerk changes after a defeat, and captain Pat Cummins was circumspect on the topic after the loss at St George’s Park.

"It's always that delicate balance," he said of a potential switch in personnel. 

"Do you 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 change? So that's what will be spoken about in the next few days. 

"We'll probably have Cam Green and Josh Inglis available for next week. I'm sure their names will get thrown around when we try to work out an eleven," he told reporters on Thursday.

The debate is likely to include Marnus Labuschagne, who has scored 37 twice, 14 and 39 in his four innings in the two tests in South Africa this month. He has not made a test century since scoring 111 against England at Old Trafford in July 2023.

"The hardest thing about opening or batting No. 3 is actually getting yourself in. So he's actually doing the hard bit. He's getting to thirties," Cummins added.

"He's got to find a way to turn those into bigger scores. Thirties aren't going to win you too many matches. 

"It's certainly not a technique error. It's maybe some decisions where the game demands something a little bit different. We'll work on that. He's hitting the ball well,” added the skipper.

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