New Delhi: Before the third Test against India, the Australian team has received a big blow. Captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the third match in Indore since March 1. Cummins returned to Australia after the second match and will not return for this match. Cricket Australia has given information about this. In the absence of Pat Cummins, Steve Smith will take over the captaincy in the third Test to be played in Indore. Cummins flew to Sydney last week after the Australian team’s second Test defeat in a row. According to the information available, Cummins’ mother is not in good health and she is not able to play the match now.
Captain Cummins said this
The Delhi Test is completed in three days followed by a break of nine days. In such a situation, it was hoped that the 29-year-old Cummins would return to India for the third Test starting on Wednesday, but this may not be possible. It remains to be seen whether Cummins will come for the fourth Test in Ahmedabad or not. Cummins said, ‘I have decided not to return to India at this time. I think I am very good here with my family. I am grateful for the support from Cricket Australia and colleagues.
Steve Smith went to Dubai for a few days trip with his wife after the second Test. He was informed there about Cummins’ decision to drop out for the next Test. After taking over the vice-captaincy in 2021, Smith has led the team in the two Test matches played in Adelaide.
Smith captained the last tour
Smith captained the team in 34 Test matches between 2014 and 2018. In which Australia’s India tour was also included in 2017. Smith scored three centuries on that tour. However, the series has been disappointing for the right-hander this time and he has so far scored 71 runs at an average of 23.66 in four innings.
Australia India Tour 2023 (Remaining Matches)
• Third Test – March 1 to 5 (Indore)
• 4th Test – March 9 to 13 (Ahmedabad)
• First ODI – March 17 (Mumbai)
• Second ODI – March 19 (Visakhapatnam)
• 3rd ODI – March 22 (Chennai)