In the third Test against India, stand-in captain Steve Smith led Australia to a nine-wicket victory at Indore. With no updates on regular captain Pat Cummins, multiple reports suggest Smith will captain the fourth and final Test in Ahmedabad.
Australian coach Andrew McDonald stated that management is in constant contact with Cummins and that his availability will be discussed shortly. “He is obviously dealing with what he is dealing with at home but he is still so invested in the group. Our thoughts are still with him and his family at this difficult time,” Mc Donald told reporters.
Cummins left the team following the second Test in Delhi, which the Baggy Greens lost, to spend time with his family due to a health issue. He was expected to return for the final Test, but that now appears to be in doubt.
Following the win in Indore, Smith declared that his time as captain was over and that Australia was Cummins’ team. “My time is done. It’s Pat’s team now. I’ve obviously been able to stand in this week, obviously in tough circumstances with Patty going home. Our thoughts are still with him back home,” Smith said
The final Test will begin on March 9. After losing the first two tests, Australia clawed one back, and the final Test is now in the balance. While Australia has secured a spot in the Test Championship final with a win in Indore, India still has a chance to secure the other spot for the summit clash. India must win to advance to the final, as a draw would require them to rely on other results.
In the meantime, Twitter was divided over the news of Steve Smith continuing as the team’s captain. “Good for Australia. Steve Smith knows how to use the spinners well. Should have captained the first test two match as well. If India needs to win the next match our top order needs to step up, especially Virat. Being a senior batsman hasn’t scored any impactful innings so far,” a user wrote.
Here is how Twitter reacted to Steve Smith’s news
Bad News For India ? pic.twitter.com/egkd758phJ
— Oggy ? (@SirOggyBilla) March 5, 2023
Advantage Australia!
— Ritvik Saxena (@imritvik) March 5, 2023
This is bad news for India ?? lol ?
— NIO inu Commandar (@LITHOSH) March 5, 2023
Then its a series draw?
— Sasidaran??????? (@SasidaranSri) March 5, 2023
That's all India loss fourth test sri lanka has chance to play wtc finals
— Dhanush (@Dhanush56335755) March 5, 2023
Steve Smith to Cummins pic.twitter.com/aKEuUtBGpX
— Prasun Jha (@jprasun21) March 5, 2023
Agar smith firse captain bangaya toh we also deserve this old Virat's aggression on field pic.twitter.com/cULli6TsSp
— jetha hitler ? (@baapofhollywood) March 5, 2023
He should be permanent captain of Australia, he has got a great cricketing brain .
— vikkas (@viks15680) March 5, 2023
Good for Australia. Steve Smith knows how to use the spinners well. Should have captained the first test two match as well. If India needs to win the next match our top order needs to step up, especially Virat. Being a senior batsman hasn't scored any impactful innings so far.
— Philips (@vasanthsk2) March 5, 2023
Am 100 percent sure he gonna draw the series
Considering our team performance and
A step ahead captaincy of smith
It will be registered as one of the best comeback in bgt for Australia— Take My Note (@Cricpoints1) March 5, 2023
