Cummins' bowling stats dip as Australia lose No 1 ranking to South Africa

The Proteas have reclaimed their status as the best side in the world, ending Australia’s two-and-a-half-year reign at the top of the Test rankings. According to the BBC ^[1], the superb South African team completed victory on the final day of an enthralling series, reaffirming their dominance while exposing deep fractures in the Australian camp.

Captain Pat Cummins insists his side remains "really good," yet the numbers tell a different story. The BBC reported ^[1] that Cummins, now 33, endured his worst bowling average in years at 53.66, with his expected wickets return suggesting he bowled better than the figures imply. This is the first time in his career he has faced such intense scrutiny, with Scott Boland arguably more deserving of a spot in the third Test.

For England, the series serves as a grim warning. The BBC noted ^[1] that since Joe Root’s return as skipper, England have favoured pace over spin, a strategy that looks increasingly risky. South Africa’s Simon Harmer took 10-120 in Cape Town, where the ball turned significantly. With England lacking a frontline spinner, they may struggle against the likes of Harmer, Marco Jansen, and Kagiso Rabada.

South African captain Temba Bavuma’s vulnerability to off-spin is another red flag. The BBC highlighted ^[1] that Bavuma was dismissed by off-spin in four of his five innings against Australia. His average against such bowling drops to 15.00, presenting a clear tactical target for England if they opt to include a specialist spinner like Shoaib Bashir or Liam Patterson-White.

Beyond spin, Australia’s batting woes persist. Marnus Labuschagne has gone 49 innings without a century, while Matt Renshaw has emerged as a potential long-term solution at the top of the order. The BBC reported ^[1] that Renshaw’s 190 and subsequent opener role suggest Australia may finally have found their replacement for David Warner.

England’s lower-order batting also requires attention. The series demonstrated the value of patience, with South Africa adding crucial runs after the sixth wicket fell. The BBC pointed out ^[1] that wickets fell far more slowly in this series compared to England’s summer clash with New Zealand, highlighting the need for England’s tail to stick around rather than attack recklessly.

As England prepares for the one-off 150th anniversary Test in Melbourne, they must address these vulnerabilities. With Stephen Fleming at the helm, the challenge is to dismantle Renshaw’s new reign and exploit South Africa’s weaknesses before the Ashes begin next summer.