India is dominating Australia in the four-match Test series for the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Pat Cummins and his players simply had no chance and did not show any fight to challenge the Indians in their home conditions. Australia is trailing the series 2-0 and are staring down at a rare clean-sweep defeat at the hands of the hosts.
The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India, which is slated to start in Indore on March 1, will be played without Australia skipper Pat Cummins. Due to his mother’s illness, Cummins had to fly home to Sydney after Australia lost the second Test.
The Kolkata franchise bowler was anticipated to return to India for the third Test, which starts on Wednesday. But, the 29-year-old has revealed that his mother’s condition will prevent him from participating in the Indore Test. Steve Smith is set to take the series’ leadership in his absence.
What did Cummins say about the whole situation?
Cummins spoke to Cricket.com.au about his decision and why he took it. He said, “I have decided against returning to India at this time. I feel I am best being here with my family. I appreciate the overwhelming support I have received from Cricket Australia and my teammates. Thanks for your understanding.”
Smith came back to Delhi from a three-day vacation with his wife, Dani, in Dubai, and was informed by Cummins as the former had been put on standby to captain when Cummins travelled home, that he would not be returning for Indore.
On Friday morning, Smith and the head coach Andrew McDonald met at their hotel. An hour or so later, the rest of the team was briefed before training in Delhi. Before the first ball of the third Test on Wednesday, the team takes a Sunday flight to Indore. This is only the third time Steve Smith would be captaining the Australian side after the sandpaper incident.
Fans react to another Australian player heading home: –
JUST IN: Pat Cummins will remain home for the third #INDvAUS Test in Indore after he this week returned to Sydney due to a family illness | @LouisDBCameron https://t.co/zlAXrSclc5 pic.twitter.com/COIpgKUpfD
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 24, 2023
Fly Bancroft over pls…. Bancroft for Warner, Green for Kuhnaman, Starc for Cummins. Bat down to 9 and surely make some runs for a change! 2 spinners, head, Starc and green is plenty of bowling. FIX THE BATTING
— lock egg (@lachlanjosef) February 24, 2023
Worked for India the last time we were there.
Might be trying for a similar change of fortunes…— HM (@hash_brown7) February 24, 2023
Better not to come back for the test series, Australia will be whitewashed 4-0
— দেবব্রত গুপ্ত (@debabrata199426) February 24, 2023
Now it's time for some express pace from Morris #INDvsAUS 150+ clicks let's get him in
— Kid Gunn (@GunnRunner420) February 24, 2023
Pat Cummins will spend more time with his seriously ill mother.
A very tough time for Cummins, hope his mother recovers soon!
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 24, 2023
Cummins Indian hota to mast twitter pe outrage hota
— Titu (@TituTweets_) February 24, 2023
Agar Pat Cummins Indian player hota to iske liye bhi gaali pdti usko😂
— Vivek (@Vivvvek_1) February 24, 2023
Australia are now want to finish this series as early as possible. They are finished, no excitement, no competition, nothing else
— khushanshu (@no1khush) February 24, 2023
Australia can only win if their batsmen learn how to play spin in India
— Kings 2 (@Fanbasecrictext) February 24, 2023
