According to a ESPNcricinfo report, Cricket Australia is exercising caution with its front-line pace trio—Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood. Cummins arrived in South Africa later than Starc after skipping the preceding Zimbabwe series. To keep the key pacers fresh for the crucial Test matches, the selection management has devised a rotation plan across the three ODI venues: Durban, Johannesburg, and Potchefstroom. Under this strategy, Cummins is likely to miss the opening match in Durban as well as the final fixture in Potchefstroom, featuring only in the second ODI in Johannesburg. Starc and Hazlewood are set to feature in the first and third matches, allowing Nathan Ellis regular game time. In Cummins' absence, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will continue to lead the Australian side.