Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Feb 24: 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 sickness, Cummins had to fly home to Sydney after Australia lost the second Test. He was anticipated to return to India for the third Test, which starts on Wednesday. But, the 29-year-old has acknowledged that his mother’s condition will prevent him from participating in the Indore Test.
The team will be led by Steve Smith in his absence.
“I have decided against returning to India at this time. I feel I am best being here with my family,” Cummins was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
“I appreciate the overwhelming support I have received from Cricket Australia and my teammates. Thanks for your understanding,” he added.
After the three-day match in Delhi, there would be a nine-day gap before the next Test, therefore it was anticipated that Cummins would re-join the squad.
After the second Test, Smith, on the other hand, spent four days in Dubai with his wife Dani before rejoining the Australia team in Delhi on Thursday night.
Since Tim Paine was replaced as captain by Cummins in late 2021, he will be in charge of Australia for the third time.
