Pat Cummins to miss third Test in India due to family illness, Steve Smith to captain Australia

Australia captain Pat Cummins will stay in Sydney and miss the third Check in opposition to India with a purpose to be along with his critically in poor health mom.

Cummins flew dwelling to Australia on Sunday night time, instantly after the workforce’s second Check defeat to India in Delhi, to be round his household.

The 29-year-old on Thursday night time knowledgeable coach Andrew McDonald of his determination to stay in Australia, with the remainder of the squad advised at coaching on Friday morning.

“I’ve determined in opposition to returning to India at the moment as my mom is in poor health and in palliative care. I really feel I’m finest being right here with my household,” Cummins mentioned in a press release.

“I respect the overwhelming assist I’ve obtained from Cricket Australia and my teammates. Thanks on your understanding.”

Cummins intends to be out there for the fourth and remaining Check in Ahmedabad, however it’s doable he’ll sit out the remainder of the collection.

The star quick bowler was anticipated to return to India on Friday forward of the third Check in Indore, beginning on March 1.

Nonetheless, Cummins’s household scenario will forestall him from making the journey again, with Steve Smith to fill in as captain.

Will probably be the third time Smith has stepped in as Check captain since Cummins turned skipper in November 2021.

Cummins has been compelled to take a seat out the 2 most up-to-date pink-ball matches in Adelaide in opposition to West Indies and England resulting from damage and COVID-19.

Smith left the Australian camp in Delhi for a short break to Dubai with spouse Dani and arrived again within the Indian capital on Thursday night time.

Cummins’s absence is one other blow for Australia’s hopes of successful a minimum of one Check on this collection to e book its spot within the World Check Championship remaining.

Quick bowler Josh Hazlewood (Achilles) and veteran opener David Warner (elbow) have been despatched dwelling resulting from damage, whereas bowling all-rounder Ashton Agar has returned to Western Australia to play Sheffield Defend.

All-rounder Cameron Inexperienced is ready to play his first Check of the collection in Indore after overcoming a damaged finger suffered on the MCG in December.

Inexperienced will doubtless are available in for Matt Renshaw and bat at quantity six, with Travis Head to stay as opener instead of Warner after a blazing cameo through the second innings in Delhi.

Star fast Mitchell Starc will nearly definitely fill the void left by Cummins after the 33-year-old missed the primary two Assessments in opposition to India resulting from a damaged finger.

Victorian paceman Scott Boland might additionally get a recall after dropping out of the XI following his look within the collection opener in Nagpur.

Australia opted to play three spinners — Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy and Matt Kuhnemann — and choose Cummins as its solely recognised fast in Delhi.

AAP