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Australia bowls first after Cummins’ Newlands call criticized

By Drooid · Oct 28, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Australia chose to bowl first in the series-deciding third Test at Newlands, Cape Town.
Pat Cummins’ decision attracted criticism from former players and analysts.
Steve Smith missed the match due to a cervical facet joint injury.
Mitchell Starc claimed six wickets for 72 runs, helping Australia reach 330/4 and lead by one run after day two.

History

In the 2005 Ashes, England won the Lord’s toss, chose to bowl and secured a 2-1 series win, with captain Michael Vaughan and Andrew Flintoff taking 12 wickets. Pat Cummins made the same gamble at Newlands in 2024, electing to bowl first despite Mitchell Starc’s six-for-72, drawing similar criticism. These toss choices show how early bowling can shift Ashes momentum.

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In the 2005 Ashes, England won the Lord’s toss, chose to bowl and secured a 2-1 series win, with captain Michael Vaughan and Andrew Flintoff taking 12 wickets. Pat Cummins made the same gamble at Newlands in 2024, electing to bowl first despite Mitchell Starc’s six-for-72, drawing similar criticism. These toss choices show how early bowling can shift Ashes momentum.

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