Australia captain Pat Cummins acknowledged his team's batting struggles after suffering an innings and 31-run defeat to South Africa in the second Test at Gqeberha from October 18-22, 2026. The loss marked Australia's first innings defeat since 2023 and forced them to follow-on for just the third time since 1988. Despite leading the three-match series 1-0 following their 214-run victory in Durban, Australia were unable to replicate that performance on South African soil.

South Africa's dominant display saw them score 425 for 9 declared in their first innings, with Temba Bavuma contributing 179 and Marco Jansen adding 85. Australia's first innings collapsed to just 99, leaving them facing a substantial deficit. In their second innings, Australia managed 295, but it was not enough to make the Proteas bat again.

Cummins, who went wicketless and scored 11 runs across two innings, reflected on the challenge of squad selection and when to change the batting order. Australia's batting performance remained a concern despite their first-Test success. Marnus Labuschagne, who played an aerial shot in the second Test, has not scored a Test century since July 2023. Nic Maddinson, returning to the side after nearly 10 years away from Test cricket, managed scores of 0 and 8 across both innings. Beau Webster contributed 13 and 8 in his respective knocks. Travis Head scored 121 in the second innings, but it was not enough to prevent the follow-on.

"It's always the challenge of, do you give someone one more game? Or do you feel like now is the right time to make a move?" Cummins was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times.

Why did Australia struggle with the bat?

Cummins pointed to the broader pattern of Australia making their own task harder than necessary. He acknowledged that despite their first-Test success, the team's batting remained inconsistent and self-inflicted errors had compounded their difficulties.

"We're still finding ways to win. We make it hard for ourselves sometimes. But we've got three or four days to get it right for Cape Town," Cummins said.

What changes might Australia consider for Cape Town?

The captain reflected on the opening partnership and the need for tactical adjustments ahead of the third Test at Newlands. He noted that Matthew Renshaw had performed well in Durban but emphasised that Australia's overall batting approach required scrutiny.

"Renshaw had an amazing game (in Durban), but I still think we weren't at our best, particularly in the batting," Cummins said.

Cummins outlined the squad options available for the final Test of the series. He indicated that Cameron Green and Josh Inglis are expected to be available for selection, and their names would feature prominently in discussions about the team composition.

"So that's what will be spoken about over the next few days. I think we will probably have Cam Green and Josh Inglis be available — I'm sure their names will get thrown around when we try and work out an XI.“But it's always that delicate balance. Do we feel like someone's just about to turn the corner and they're going to be away? Or does it now feel like the right time for a change-up?" Cummins said.