February 24, 2024
Australian captain Pat Cummins will miss the third test of the border-Gavaskar Trophy in Indore. Cummins will remain home to attend to his ill mother.
Cummins had left India just after the disappointing loss in the second test in Delhi. He flew home to Sydney to attend to his mother, who is seriously ill. He was expected to come back to India by this weekend and join the team on Sunday to prepare for the very crucial Indore test. But Cummins has decided to stay back home and be with his family during this tough time.
“I have decided not to return to India at this time because my mother is ill and receiving palliative care. I feel I am best being here with my family,” Cummins said. “I am grateful for Cricket Australia’s and my teammates’ overwhelming support. Thank you for your patience,” Cummins said in his statement.
Smith will lead
Vice-captain Steve Smith is all set to lead the Australian team in the Indore test. Senior batsman Steve Smith had previously led the Australian team before the infamous sandpaper ball-tampering scandal. He was stripped of his captaincy and was banned from captaincy for two years. He became eligible for the captaincy role in January 2021. He was appointed as Australian Vice Captain in November 2021.
Smith has led the Australian side in the absence of Cummins on two occasions since the fast bowler took the test captaincy. Cummins missed the second test of the 2021-22 Ashes after he was forced to withdraw after being close covid contact. He also missed last year’s D/N test in Adelaide against West Indies due to a quad injury. It will be very difficult challenge for Smith to lead the team in the crucial Indore test.
Star left-arm pacer Mitchell Strac is likely to replace Cummins in the playing eleven. Strac also missed the first two tests due to Injury. Australia also has left-arm pacer Lance Morris and Scott Boland in the Squad.
Injury trouble for Australia
The Australian team has already lost so many players due to various injuries. David Warner and Josh Hazelwood have been ruled out of the series they have flown home. Off Spinner Ashton Agar was also sent home to play domestic cricket for Western Australia.
Green has been declared fit to play in the Indore test. He will take the place of left-handed Matt Renshaw, who has struggled to adjust to these spinning tracks. Green will bat at number six, and his bowling will provide them with a much-needed fifth bowling option. He will be extremely important to the touring team.
Leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson is also expected to rejoin the squad after traveling home for the birth of his child.
Australia is 2-0 down in the series and already has lost the Border Gavaskar trophy. But they are at risk of losing the chance to play the WTC Final if they lose 4-0 to India and SL beat NZ 2-0. So these upcoming two matches will be very crucial for the visitors.
Australia will face India in the Third test at Holkar stadium, Indore, starting March 1.
