IND v AUS 2023: Pat Cummins to miss third Test, Steve Smith set to lead Australia in Indore

Cummins had flown back home after the second Test to attend to his ill mother.

By Salman Anjum - 24 Feb, 2023

Australia skipper Pat Cummins will not take part in the third Test against India in Indore, starting March 1 as he has decided to stay back in Sydney with his ailing mother.

In his absence, designated vice-captain Steve Smith will lead the Australian side in the penultimate Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

“I have decided against returning to India at this time as my mother is ill and in palliative care. I feel I am best being here with my family,” Cummins said, as quoted by cricket.com.au.

“I appreciate the overwhelming support I have received from Cricket Australia and my teammates. Thanks for your understanding.”

Cummins had flown back home to attend his ill mother after Australia’s six-wicket defeat in the second Test in Delhi. He was supposed to return before the Indore Test but now he has decided to stay back with his family in this difficult time.

Meanwhile, Steve Smith, who spent four days in Dubai with his wife Dani following the second Test, re-joined the Australia squad in Delhi on Thursday (February 23).

It will be the third instance of Smith leading the Test side since his reinstatement as vice-captain in 2021. He has filled in as skipper for two Tests that Cummins has missed out on at home.

(cricket.com.au. inputs)

By Salman Anjum - 24 Feb, 2023

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