South Africa vs Australia: Five takeaways for England after epic series

England’s winter trip to South Africa doesn’t look any easier after the Proteas completed a series victory over Australia on the final day. The win capped a run of subplots tied to England’s upcoming tour and next summer’s Ashes. Australia captain Pat Cummins insisted his side remains “a really good side,” but the series exposed concerns: they were knocked off the top of the Test rankings for the first time in two and a half years, with an ageing bowling unit and a batting lineup caught between generations. Cummins, 33, went over 62 overs between wickets and returned a 53.66 average, with only limited improvement versus prior series.