NEW DELHI: Australia captain Pat Cummins will miss the third Test against India, Cricket Australia said on Friday. Cummins returned home after Australia suffered their second successive defeat in the four-Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. India, who won the Delhi Test by 6 wickets, have retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
In Cummins absence, Steve Smith will lead the side in Indore. It will be the third time that Smith will lead Australia in Tests since he was reinstated as vice-captain in 2021 after Cummins took over from Tim Paine.
"I have decided against returning to India at this time," Cummins said in a statement adding his mother was "ill and in palliative care"
"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."
The third Test will be played at Indore's Holkar Stadium from March 1.
While Australia are hoping Cummins will be back for the final Test in Ahmedabad from March 9, Steve Smith could end up leading the side in both matches.
CAMERON GREEN FIT TO PLAY
All-rounder Cameron Green, whose absence due to a fractured finger badly hurt the balance of the Australian side in the first two games, is fit and likely to play the third Test.
Green's return would give Australia a second seam-bowling option. Cummins was the sole quick in Delhi.
"When you come in as an all-rounder, you might be able to help out with team balance maybe a little bit," Green told reporters in Delhi on Friday.
"It will be interesting to see which way the selectors go for this game."
Senior pacer Mitchell Starc is also expected to be available and could be a direct replacement for Cummins in the playing XI.
(With inputs from agencies)
