IND vs AUS: Pat Cummins ruled out of the third Test

Australian captain Pat Cummins will not take any part in the third Test against India of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The pacer had flown to Australia to tend to his ailing mother who is ill and in palliative care. Cummins shall stay back in the country for a while and will not be available for the next Test match. In his absence, Steve Smith shall step up as the captain of the Australian Test team.

Australia lost the second Test in Delhi by six wickets. With the match finishing in three days, the Australian team had a nine-day break. Pat Cummins decided to fly back to Australia to take care of his mother and he was expected to rejoin the squad ahead of the third Test. However, in the current situation, he has decided to stay back in Australia.

Smith to take over

Steve Smith, Australia’s designated vice-captain, shall take the reins in Cummins’ absence. It will be the third time that the maverick batter will be leading the side since Cummins’ full-time appointment. Smith had captained Australia 34 times before he was removed from the post due to the Sandpaper gate in South Africa.

The third Test between India and Australia will begin from 1st March in Indore. India lead the series 2-0 and have already retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The home side is in contention for the World Test Championship final. With another victory, they will cement their spot in the final.