In a big blow to the Australian camp, skipper Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the Third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Cummins returned home after India beat Australia in the second Test by six wickets in Delhi. Star batter Steven Smith will captain the team in Cummins’ absence in Indore. Smith will lead Australia in Tests for the third time since being reinstated as vice-captain in 2021 when Cummins took over from Tim Paine.
Notably, Cummins is in Australia to spend time with his severely ill mother. In a statement released by Cricket Australia, Pat Cummins had said,
“I have decided against returning to India at this time.” He further stated that “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 third Test will begin on March 1 at Indore’s Holkar Stadium. While Australia hope Cummins will be available for the final Test in Ahmedabad on March 9, Steve Smith may wind up captaining the team in both matches.
Mitchell Starc is set to return to play for Australia in Third Test
Australia, who are already 2-0 down in the four-match series after two heavy defeats, allowed India to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The third Test will be played in Indore from March 1. The Australian team is currently training in Delhi and will leave for Indore on Sunday.
Meanwhile, in a major update, star pacer Mitchell Starc and all-rounder Camron Green will be available for the visitors for the Third Test. However, pacer Josh Hazelwood and opener David Warner are also ruled out of the last two games due to injuries.
Green addressed the press after the second Test and spoke about his recovery and his preparations.
“That’s the benefit of watching the first two games, you get a pretty good look at it from the sideline without having too many emotions of being in the game,” Green said.
Meanwhile, fans react to the unavailability of Pat Cummins and asked weather visitors will be able to field a playing XI or not.
Here are some Tweets:
— CricketJeevi ??? (@_black__jaguar_) February 24, 2023
Australia team ! pic.twitter.com/7BgQSSfGrV
— Simmu? (@meownces) February 24, 2023
What a downfall. Cheater will lead the great aus now.
— H (@WiratWohli) February 24, 2023
— Sudarshan¹? ?? (@ImSudarshan67) February 24, 2023
Abhi mza aayega na bhidu pic.twitter.com/z1r8EW0593
— Sayan Jaiswal (@sayansj17) February 24, 2023
Have u ever heard a word temporary captain mufa?
That was was discovered for pat Cummins …
Choker ????????…
Home bully— Haider Khan ??? (@ind_iw0) February 24, 2023
11 hai poore khelne ke liye ya vo bhi nhi?
— Cricket Lover (@justfreevoice) February 24, 2023
Advantage for chokli ? pic.twitter.com/hxCshEDWRb
— anujjadhav (@anujjad23542132) February 24, 2023
BC sub chor chor ke bhaag gye ??
— EmIñ?nt Søçïãlìst (@Emi_ViratFan) February 24, 2023
Ae sab ek ek kar ke bhag rahe haii taki last test ke baad criticism face na karna pade ?
— Che (@Che52345348) February 24, 2023
This drama is just to have starc and 3 proper spinners? pic.twitter.com/Jd5hi9pRED
— LVR 45_? (@lvr_444) February 24, 2023
