Cricket News
‘Family first’ – Fans react as Pat Cummins ruled out of 3rd BGT Test in Indore due to family emergency
Australian skipper Pat Cummins will be missing the third Test in Indore of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy as his mother is seriously ill. Cummins flew back to Australia just hours after the Delhi Test and was expected to join the team before the third Test. Cummins, however, decided to stay with his family in the short term.
Under his absence, vice-captain Steve Smith will be leading the side in Indore. Smith has taken over the charge twice after Cummins became the captain. Australia are already trailing in a four-match series by 0-2.
“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 the Australian Cricket Board and my teammates. Thanks for your understanding,” said Cummins as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
Cummins is also named as Australia’s captain for a three-match ODI series against India starting on March 17.
Mitchell Starc likely to play in the third Test
Along with Cummins, players like David Warner, Ashton Agar, and Josh Hazlewood have also flown back to Australia. Agar has decided to play domestic cricket for Western Australia, while Warner and Hazlewood have been ruled out due to injuries.
Mitchell Starc is expected to be fully fit before the Indore Test, having recovered from the finger injury, with other fast bowling options like Scott Boland and Lance Morris. Meanwhile, Cameron Green has also declared himself 100% fit for the third Test.
Australia will be looking to make a comeback in the series after humiliating losses in Nagpur and Delhi. Following this, both India and Australia will be locking horns in the ODI series, which will be crucial for both sides looking forward to the ODI World Cup scheduled to be held in India later this year.
Australian squad for the ODIs:
Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa.
Indian squad for the ODIs:
Rohit Sharma (C), S Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (VC), R Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, W Sundar, Y Chahal, Mohd Shami, Mohd Siraj, Umran Malik, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Jaydev Unadkat.
Note: Rohit Sharma is to miss the first game to due family commitments. Hardik Pandya will lead the side in his absence
Get well soon Pat Cummins' mom ❤️
— Hayasaka Ai (@hayasaka_sai17) February 24, 2023
Pat Cummins will miss the 3rd Test for family reasons. Steve Smith will captain. (@willzfaulk)#INDvAUS
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) February 24, 2023
Thoughts with Pat Cummins with the news his mum is in Pallative care. To the people who think this is funny you are a DISGRACE
— Steven Jaunkalns (@Sainters23) February 24, 2023
#SteveSmith to take charge in absence of #PatCummins.
Script for “The Test” season 3 is now ready! 😂#BorderGavaskarTrophy2023
— Somya Kapoor (@iamsom_15) February 24, 2023
Breaking NEWS 🔗 @patcummins30 will be missing 3rd test of border gavaskar throphy due to his mother's illness.
Hope she recover soon ❤️
.
.#patcummins #BGT #INDvAUS #3rdtest pic.twitter.com/v1BTu6QKfs— Akelai M Dekho (@Akelai_m_dekho) February 24, 2023
Steve Smith will lead Australia in the 3rd Test vs India in absence of pat Cummins.
— Rohirat🇮🇳 (@Rohirat143) February 24, 2023
Very sad. Maria Cummins was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 when Pat was in year 7 at school.
— Kevin Pollard (@football_roos) February 24, 2023
Love him or not Pat Cummins choice not to go back to india & play cricket is the right choice. To stay with his mum at this time is just the right thing to do. Good on ya skip!
— Bighats (@bighats61) February 24, 2023
Pat Cummins explained today that he's chosen to stay at home to be with his sick mother. We wish the whole Cummins clan all the best ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JiBLJyJlzd
— Triple M Cricket (@triplemcricket) February 24, 2023
#INDvAUS Pat Cummins to miss third Test against India after remaining home
He flew home to be with his mother who is seriously ill and will miss the Indore Test— Nature Labs (@pythonlearnings) February 24, 2023
We’re sending all our best wishes to Pat Cummins and his family ❤️ pic.twitter.com/IEdgrkpsoI
— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) February 24, 2023