Australia skipper Pat Cummins is set to miss the third Test match of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to personal issues. The Australian skipper currently in his homeland was a doubt for the third Test having cited personal reasons to flyback. With Cummins missing out, Steve Smith is likely to take charge of the team in the third Test in Indore which kickstarts on March 1.
Cummins to miss Indore Test
According to Espncricinfo, the Aussie skipper’s mother has been suffering from illness and saw him return to his native Australia after the conclusion of the second Test in Delhi. It was reported that Cummins would be back for the Indore Test however, it has now been confirmed that he will not be leading the side.
Steve Smith likely to take charge
As things stand, Steve Smith will be first the man in charge of the Aussie side while Cummins misses out. Smith last took charge of the national side in December 2021 in the second Ashes Test when Cummins contracted Covid-19. The Aussie stand-in skipper was also the man in charge when they lost the series in 2016-17.
Australia already without big names
The Baggy Greens are already without the services of David Warner and Josh Hazlewood, with both out of the Test series. Warner sustained a hairline fracture to his elbow and suffered a concussion during the second Test in Delhi. Ashton Agar has also returned home to play the rest of the Sheffield Shield tournament.
Cummins to be back for Ahmedabad Test?
The Aussies skipper will be back in India next month to lead the ODI side while question marks remain on his participation in the fourth Test. The Ahmedabad Test will start on March 9, which should give ample time for Cummins to make his return to the side. He along with David Warner will be in the contingent for the limited-overs series which starts on March 17 in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
