Daijiworld Media Network - Sydney

Sydney, Jul 12: Australia’s Test skipper Pat Cummins will skip the upcoming white-ball tour of South Africa in August, choosing instead to focus on fitness and preparations for the Ashes later this year. Cummins, who was already rested for the T20I series against the West Indies, will now undergo an intensive training block over the next six weeks.

Joining Cummins on the sidelines is Josh Hazlewood, who will return home after the Test series in the Caribbean. Xavier Bartlett, fresh from a standout Major League Cricket (MLC) season, has been named as his replacement in the squad.

Cummins is eyeing a comeback for the short T20I series against New Zealand in October and hopes to feature in limited-overs matches against India ahead of the Ashes, set to begin in late November. He may also make a rare appearance in the Sheffield Shield for New South Wales to fine-tune his red-ball form.

“There’s always little bits and pieces you’re trying to get right,” said Cummins. “It’ll be lots of gym work, not much bowling, just building up for the summer.”

Despite being Australia’s ODI captain, Cummins has only led the side twice since last year’s World Cup final, missing the Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury.

Meanwhile, Jake Fraser-McGurk has also been added to the squad as a replacement for Spencer Johnson, who suffered back soreness post-IPL. Fraser-McGurk, though patchy in form, impressed with a quickfire 50 in his T20I debut against Scotland.

The T20I series against the West Indies begins on July 20 at Sabina Park, followed by matches in St Kitts, as Australia begins its long buildup to an important home summer.