In the third Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Steve Smith will lead the Australian side. As current skipper Pat Cummins is not likely to return to India due to family health issues.
After losing the Delhi Test, skipper Pat Cummins immediately flew back to his homeland due to his mother’s illness and palliative care. Earlier he was supposed to return back because he got a long nine-day break between the second Test match at Delhi to the third Test match at Indore.
On Friday, Cricket Australia took to its Instagram and announced that Pat Cummins will not be available for the Indore Test. In the tweet, it mentioned, “Pat Cummins will remain home for the third Ind vs Aus Test in Indore after he this week returned to Sydney due to a family illness.“
Announcing his non-returning and receiving a supportive gesture from Cricket Australia, Pat Cummins appreciated his team management and the Australian Cricket Board and said, “I have decided against returning to India at this time. I feel I am best being here with my family. I appreciate the overwhelming support I have received from Cricket Australia and my teammates. Thanks for your understanding.”
The absence of Pat Cummins will lead a major role in Australia’s bowling line-up because, in the past two matches, he was leading the fast bowling attack. Technically, Cummins’ absence is another big blow for the Australian squad as they already missed their key players including, fast-bowler Josh Hazlewood, experienced batter David Warner, and left-arm all-rounder, Ashton Agar. It is likely to find out, that experienced left-arm fast-bowler, Mitchell Starch will replace skipper Cummins and lead the fast-bowling attack at the Indore Test.
For now, India is leading the four-match series by 2-0 and will play the third Test match on March 1 at Indore.