Australia need couple of weeks to digest South Africa series defeat: Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins admitted Australia will need a couple of weeks to digest their 2-1 Test series defeat against South Africa after surrendering their advantage following a dominant start.Pat Cummins was sisappointed after Australia lost the Test series to South Africa. Courtesy: APNew Delhi,Oct 31, 2026 23:47 ISTAustralia captain Pat Cummins has admitted that his team will need a couple of weeks to digest their disappointing series defeat against South Africa, who completed a remarkable turnaround to clinch the three-Test series 2-1 in Cape Town on Saturday. The defeat was particularly disappointing for the visitors, who had travelled to South Africa hoping to consolidate their position at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.Australia began the series on a promising note, winning the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs. However, they failed to maintain that momentum, suffering an innings-and-31-run defeat in Gqeberha before going down by 176 runs in the series decider at Newlands. Cummins acknowledged that his team had arrived with high expectations but ultimately failed to overcome a formidable South African side on their home turf."I think we're a really good side. Tough opponents away from home. It's always really difficult. We came here very hopeful and thought we were good enough to win, but we weren't. We'll have a couple of weeks to digest it.South Africa vs Australia, 3rd Test Day 5: Highlights | Scorecard "A couple of big series coming up, but we're going back home, a place we obviously know well. But yeah, overall, relatively happy with how we're going," Cummins added.AUSTRALIA LOSE THEIR WAY AFTER STRONG STARTAustralia looked firmly in control after the opening Test in Durban, where they overcame an early batting wobble to register a comprehensive 214-run victory. However, South Africa responded emphatically in Gqeberha, winning the second Test by an innings and 31 runs to level the series. The third Test proved particularly disappointing for Cummins and his men. Chasing 288 for victory, Australia were bowled out for just 111 on the final day. Kagiso Rabada struck early, removing three top-order batters, before Simon Harmer dismantled the middle and lower order with six wickets for 16 runs. The defeat handed South Africa a memorable 2-1 series victory.The setback also had significant consequences for Australia's WTC campaign. They slipped from the top to third in the 2025-27 standings, with their points percentage dropping to 69.23. New Zealand moved to the top with 72.22 per cent, while South Africa climbed to second with 71.43 per cent. Australia currently have 108 points from 13 Tests, having won nine and lost four.WHEN WILL AUSTRALIA NEXT PLAY?Despite the setback, Australia still have nine Tests remaining in the current WTC cycle. They will next return to action in December when they host New Zealand in a four-Test series, beginning on December 9 in Perth. Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney will host the remaining matches, with the series concluding in January.Australia will then travel to India for a challenging five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in early 2027. With nine matches remaining in the cycle, Cummins and his men will have opportunities to revive their campaign and strengthen their push for a place in the WTC final.- Ends