Pat Cummins flies home due to family heath concerns

Australian skipper Pat Cummins is on his way to Sydney after his side’s second successive loss in the ongoing Border Gavaskar series in Delhi. The 29-year-old is leaving the Australian camp due to a serious health issue in his family and will return to the subcontinent ahead of the third Test, which will be underway on March 1.

Following a second successive defeat within three days of a Test match, the Australian team has a nine-day break ahead of their next assignment against the home side in Indore. The Australian skipper will be in Sydney for a few days before returning for the preparation of the next Test match against the hosts.

Cummins, who was the sole pacer for his side in the second Test, did not bowl at all in the second innings as India completed a routine chase to gain an unassailable lead in the series, retaining the Border Gavaskar Trophy. In the case the Australian quick does not make it in time for the third Test, his deputy Steve Smith will lead the side against the relentless Indians.

Mitchell Swepson, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are eyeing a return ahead of the third Test

Young legspinner Mitchell Swepson, who left for the birth of his first child last week, is all set to rejoin the Australian camp ahead of the third Test, according to reports. Even though Scott Boland and Lance Morris are waiting for their chance, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are likely to make it to the first team for the upcoming Test if they recover from their respective injuries.

Apart from the bowlers, the Australian team will have to make a few changes in the batting department as well after David Warner’s elbow injury has cast a doubt on his further involvement in the series. The southpaw will be a huge loss for the side with the visitors failing to come to terms with the nature of Indian pitches.