Pat Cummins set to miss the third Test due to mother’s illness

Australian skipper Pat Cummins, who returned to Australia due to personal reasons, has been ruled out of the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to his mother’s illness and Steve Smith will lead the side in Indore in his absence. Australia are grappling with many injuries, having lost David Warner and Josh Hazlewood for the remainder of the series.

"I have decided against returning to India at this time as my mother is 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," said a statement from Cummins.

Currently, Australia have found themselves at 0-2 down in the series, which ensured that India retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the fourth consecutive time. Smith will have the responsibility of helping the Aussies salvage some pride in Indore, having last led Australia against the Windies in December 2022. 

Australia also have plenty of fast bowling cover for the remainder of the Tests, with the likes of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and the uncapped Lance Morris waiting on the wings. All-rounder Cameron Green too is expected to play the second half of the series after recovering from a finger injury.

Fellow spinner Mitchell Swepson who also flew back home for the birth of his first child is also expected to link up with the squad ahead of the third Test. Australia flew in Matthew Kuhnemann in as Swepson's replacement and the left-arm spinner made his Test debut in Delhi, getting Virat Kohli as his maiden wicket.