Cricket News India vs Australia 2023

‘They are running away from India’ - Fans react as Pat Cummins gets ruled out of the 3rd Test

Pat Cummins, the Australian skipper is set to stay in Australia with his family and will miss the third Test in Indore

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Rohit Kumar
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Cummins and Steve Smith

Cummins and Steve Smith (Image Source: Twitter)

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: -

 

Pat Cummins Steve Smith