Pat Cummins ruled out of the third Test vs India; Steve Smith to lead team

Pat Cummins, an Australian international cricketer who captains the Australian cricket team, will not play the third Test match against India in Indore because he will stay back in Sydney.

Steve Smith, an Australian international cricketer and former captain of the Australian national team, will lead the Australian team in Cummins’ absence in the third Test match between Australia and India. The third Test match will start on March 1 at 9:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).

Cummins has decided to stay back home with his ailing mother. He reportedly said, “I have decided against returning to India at this time. I feel I am best being here with my family.” He further thanked Cricket Australia. Cummins said, “ I appreciate the support I have received from Cricket Australia and my teammates.”

Patrick James Cummins returned to Sydney after India defeated Australia in the second Test match in Delhi by six wickets. Smith had also left India. However, he decided to return to India when he was informed of Cummins’ decision to remain in Sydney.

Australia is currently training for the match in Delhi. The Australian team is scheduled to leave for Indore on Sunday. The third Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is scheduled to be held from 1 to 5 March 2023 at the Holkar Stadium, Indore. The fourth Test match and last game will be played in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, from 9 to 13 March.

According to the Australian think tank, Cummins can return for the test match in Ahmedabad. However, if Cummins’ mother’s health doesn’t improve then Smith will continue to lead the Australian team.  According to Espncricinfo, Cummins’ mother has been suffering from illness in recent days.

Reportedly, Cummins is supposed to lead the Australian team in the three-match ODI (One-Day International) series against India from March 17. He along with David Warner is scheduled to play the ODI series on March 17 in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.