Why is Pat Cummins Not Captaining Australia in 3rd ODI? Check Who's Leading

As the Australian cricket team takes the field for the third and final ODI clash against South Africa, a familiar face is missing from the team's leadership role at the toss. Australia's regular white-ball star Pat Cummins is playing in this fixture after returning to the playing 11, but in a surprising move, he is not leading the side.

Instead, the responsibility of leading the side has been handed to Australia new ODI captain, leaving fans discussing this leadership change as the visitors look to close out the series in style. But why is Pat Cummins not captaining Australia in 3rd ODI, and who has taken charge of the side? Let’s find out.

Why is Pat Cummins Not Captaining Australia?

While regular skipper Pat Cummins returned to the playing 11 for the third ODI against South Africa after missing the first two matches to manage his workload and focus on the upcoming Test series, he remarkably did not resume his leadership duties. In an unusual tactical arrangement, team management opted to maintain continuity on the field rather than disrupt the team dynamics.

Consequently, one of the best all-rounders in the world, Mitchell Marsh ODI captain, remained at the helm to lead the side for the final fixture. Marsh had successfully led the squad through the preceding games, allowing Cummins to concentrate purely on his primary role as a fast bowler upon his comeback without shouldering the immediate tactical captaincy pressure for this single match.

Mitchell Marsh as Australia ODI Captain: Record and Stats

The star all-rounder, Mitchell Marsh, has mainly served as Australia’s stand-in captain when one of the best captains in the world, Pat Cummins, has been unavailable. He has led Australia in 16 ODIs, winning 9 matches and losing 7. His captaincy began during Australia’s 2023 tour of South Africa, where the team won the first two games but lost the next three to lose the series 3–2. In late 2024, Marsh led a weakened Australian side to a 3–2 series win in England.

He later guided Australia to series wins over one of the best cricket teams in the world, South Africa and India, both by 2–1 margins. Despite some mixed results, Marsh has played an important role in Australia’s ODI transition with his attacking approach and positive style of captaincy.